893.00/10631
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham)5
Sir: I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 6200, of October 18, 1929,6 in which you transmit a copy of a communication from the Commander of the Yangtze Patrol,7 informing you that under instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, protection will not be afforded to such vessels as contract to carry members of the military forces of China, or arms, ammunition, or any other non-commercial article, such as opium.
In this relation, I beg leave to inform you that the American Consul General at Hankow recently reported that the Chinese military authorities at Chungking were endeavoring to persuade the Yangtze Rapids Steamship Company to transport troops from Kweifu to Chungking at one-fourth fare. This information was reported to the Department with the request that instructions be issued as to what advice, if any, should be given American shipping companies in the premises. The Department replied to the effect that in its discretion the American Legation may advise American shipping companies that the degree of protection that the American Government can afford such companies in their normal activities will be adversely affected to the extent that they choose themselves to become involved in Chinese military operations. In the event that similar conditions should arise in your consular district, you are authorized in your discretion to inform American shipping companies of this instruction.
With reference to the protection to be extended vessels carrying non-commercial articles, such as opium, a copy of your despatch is being forwarded to the Department for any comment that it may consider appropriate in the premises.
I am [etc.]