893.00/7960: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
Washington, December 23,
1926—11 a.m.
307. Your 627, December 19, 10 a.m. Should an emergency arise at Shanghai involving the necessity of landing force from American naval vessels present, it must be definitely understood that this force is present for the purpose of protecting American life and property at Shanghai. This Government is not prepared to use its naval force at Shanghai for the purpose of protecting the integrity of the Settlement and should any question of this sort arise Department would desire to be consulted.
Kellogg