893.512/456: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 6—9:50 a.m.]
600. Your telegram number 255, November 1, 1 p.m.
1. Commander in chief reports receipt of following from Southern Patrol commander:
“Service of the Navy in South China waters may be divided into two classes: first, pirate interference; second, illegal governmental interference in every effort by naval forces to recover any seized vessels or cargo immediately and complete transit. Interference by Government officials is not expected, but should there be any in connection with American steamers, it will be referred to American consul general at Canton for action in the usual diplomatic way. If diplomacy fails to secure the desired results, the American consul general will request naval force present to prevent interference with our ships and to insure safe delivery of American cargoes by convoying American steamers or place armed guard on them.”
2. Commander in chief states that he approves this procedure and inquires if I approve. I purpose to reply in the affirmative unless the Department perceives some objection to the policy outlined.