893.00/7701: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 2—9:46 a.m.]
447. My 438, September 29, 3 p.m. Following from American consul general at Canton:
“October 1, 1 p.m. In accordance with your telegram of September 21, 5 p.m., I filed protest with Eugene Chen on September 25th, to which he has now replied. The substance has been telegraphed to Commander in Chief Chiang Chung-cheng for his information and action.
Chen declines to admit the regulations restricting navigation on the Yangtze are in violation of the treaties. He declares that as war is now raging in the Wuhan area foreign men-of-war should withdraw as requested, stating he also expresses the hope that American men-of-war will comply with the regulations to proceed to certain designated places, anchor and notify the military authorities of their nationality in order that appropriate action may be taken. Despatch will be forwarded with copies of correspondence”.