393.11/1008
The Consul General at Canton (Jenkins) to the Minister in China (MacMurray)88
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith for the information of the Legation a copy (in translation) of a despatch dated September 18 from the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs87 asking that foreigners be warned not to proceed to the interior without first consulting the [Page 473] responsible Chinese authorities. It will be observed that this action is based on the suggestion of the military authorities in the vicinity of Swatow who are endeavoring to rescue several German and Swiss missionaries captured by bandits in that area some time ago. As far as this Consulate General can ascertain the greater part of northern Kwangtung is now overrun by bandits and soldiers who decline to submit to the authority of the present regime in Canton.
The attitude of the local authorities in this instance does not seem to be unreasonable, but may possibly be carried to such an extreme that few foreigners will be permitted, or at least authorized, to proceed to points in the interior of the country. Under the circumstances I should be glad to know what position the Legation is inclined to assume in connection with notices of this sort.
I may add that I have already forwarded a copy (in translation) of the enclosure to the American Consul at Swatow.
I have [etc.]