893.00/8785: Telegram
The Consul at Tientsin (Berger) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 26—5:15 p.m.]
Telegraphic press reports from a reliable source indicate that impression has arisen that British are negotiating for return of their Concession area in Tientsin to the Chinese. This is not the case. Negotiations concluded April 22nd were for the purpose of placing the area under joint control of British, Chinese and American. This status can only be assured under present conditions in China by presence in Tientsin of sufficient body of foreign troops to insure noninterference by the Chinese authorities. Withdrawal of all foreign troops from Tientsin at present would insure complete destruction of all foreign trade and interests in the port. Withdrawal of Americans only from Tientsin and North China would make us butt of ridicule of all the world, insure complete destruction of any prestige which Americans now have in the eyes of the Chinese, and in addition would [place?] the United States in the position of shirking her moral responsibility in suppressing the further spread of imperialistic designs of Russian Bolshevism and placing all responsibility there anent upon other powers. Since formation of Tanaka cabinet, Tientsin, Japanese civil and military authorities have shown decided desire to cooperate with British and Americans in protection of our joint interests. Foreign military commanders at Tientsin in conference have decided 25,000 foreign troops sufficient to protect Tientsin and Peking. Japanese state that they have two divisions ready to send to Tientsin when needed. I am convinced that Japanese would move to protect foreign interests in Tientsin immediately American troops [arrived?] here. Japanese appear very wary lest they would again incur opposition of the United States in China on account of alleged imperialistic designs and be made victims of American-directed propaganda on account of her [their?] actions in Tientsin. Believed that Japanese will not under any circumstances give up their Concession area in Tientsin and on that account, if for no other reason, the United States should participate in holding of Tientsin in a manner fitting the strength of the American nation in order that if necessary we may checkmate designs of Japan in following settlement. [Page 118] Reports indicate great activity on the part of bandits in the country north and west of Tongshan and Chinwangtao. These bandits are irregular cavalry under the command of General Mu Chun … His activities may necessitate closing Pehtaiho for Americans.