893.00/9688: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
1132. 1. Following from Hankow:
“December 23, 4 p.m.
- (1)
- Monocacy has arrived at Hankow and Palo[s] expected shortly. Naval authorities plan to send these vessels to Ichang in January. It is understood that the despatch of one of them to Chungking is under contemplation.
- (2)
- Conditions at and above Ichang to Wanhsien show superficial improvement because of more complete control of that area by Yang Sen and absence for the moment of war preparations. British contemplate immediate reopening of their consulate at Ichang. It would not seem to be likely that with the gradual clarification of the situation in the Wuhan area the authorities here would permit for long the unmolested collection by Yang Sen of considerable revenues at Ichang. The result of the destruction of Yang Sen’s authority there and in the gorges would be a reversion for a time at least to unhampered banditry.
- (3)
- Reliable reports from Chungking state conditions in that city at present are tranquil and attitude of the Chinese friendly towards all foreigners. And other extraterritorial exponents [sic] in Chungking have been forced to subscribe to military loan. This constitutes one further step in break-down of their extraterritorial status in an area where consummated tranquility and friendliness have no better guarantee than that afforded by local and temporary military authority.
- (4)
- Vessels of the Yangtze Rapid[s] Steamship Company are now, and have been since their resumption of upper river sailings, subject to constant interference by Szechuan military authorities who have exacted tribute and commandeered them for troop movements in the same manner as they have vessels flying Chinese flag.
- (5)
- If the American naval policy toward Yangtze Rapid[s] steamers contemplates protecting Americans against abuse by Chinese military, as has been the naval policy in the past, it is assumed that the naval authorities will have sufficient force and will be prepared to prevent commandeering of vessels flying American flag for transportation of armed troops or to remove promptly armed troops who board such vessels. This task will probably be the more difficult because of unhindered use of such vessels by Chinese military during past few months. The fact should not be overlooked that in the past clashes between foreign naval vessels and “military have given rise to antiforeign agitation.
- (6)
- If American naval vessels should return to Szechuan and the consulate at Chungking be reopened, [an?] impetus will be given to return of Americans to interior of Szechuan. There are now about 17 Americans in Chungking and 21 west of Chungking excluding those at Batang. The reopening of the consulate at Chungking ultimately would render it essential that the officer in charge be [Page 316] given instructions clearly defining’ his attitude towards the extension of protection to Yangtze Rapid[s] steamers. It goes without saying that the attitude of the consulate and Navy toward these vessels should be identical.”
2. I feel that the possibility of any advantage to be gained by opening Chungking or Ichang consulate is outweighed by the likelihood of occurrence of incidents if we properly protect our nationals in this no man’s land of the Yangtze or the added loss of prestige we would suffer to the further detriment of our traders should we not protect our flag.
3. The British are experiencing considerable difficulty and embarrassment owing to the insistence of their missionaries upon returning to interior of Szechuan consequent upon the return of British consul to Chungking. It is certain the return there of American vessels would create similar problem for us.
4. In view of these and of uncertainty of present situation in the [apparent omission] and Upper Yangtze and probabilities of hostilities at Ichang, I believe it inadvisable to endeavor to send consular officers at present either to Chungking or to Ichang.
- Telegram in two sections.↩