393.11/1044: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 14—3:15 a.m.]
1147. 1. Following from American Consul [General] at Shanghai:
“December 11, 4 p.m. The following letter has been forwarded to the senior American naval officer at Shanghai. Legation’s approval is solicited and it is hoped that the commander in chief will be informed of the Legation’s attitude:
‘The assistant general manager of the Shanghai Power Company has requested that, due to the extensive communistic agitation in and around Shanghai, as a precautionary measure an American destroyer should be anchored in front of the Shanghai Power Company, an American concern. The berthing of a vessel at this place would not only be a precautionary measure in the event of a disturbance but will have a very salutary effect upon Communists or other agitators. The request of the Shanghai Power Company, as above indicated, has the endorsement of this Consulate General. The assistant general manager has been informed that it will be impossible to take any action on his request earlier than tomorrow or the following day unless an emergency arises making it an urgent matter.’
The protection of the Shanghai Power Company as a public utility concerns the entire community. However, the passing of the company [Page 499] to American ownership transfers the responsibility of guarding the light and power from an international to a single power responsibility. This adds greatly to America’s local responsibility. In 1925 it will be remembered that light and power supply was continued only because of the protection and partial operation by British and American Navy and Marines.”
“December 12, 11 a.m. Supplementing my 210, December 11, 4 p.m., I may add that the proposed berthing would not be unusual since frequently men-of-war have anchored there even during normal times.”
2. I am telegraphing the commander in chief. I concur in the views of the Consul General and support his request for the presence of a naval vessel as indicated in his telegram provided that from a naval point of view there are no cogent reasons to the contrary.