893.00/10888: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9—10:55 a.m.]
422. 1. Following from the American Consul at Amoy:
“June 8, 6 p.m. Kulangsu municipal council have notified consular corps that the Chinese members of the council state that present situation much worse than appears, with even probability general uprising, and situation slowly but steadily getting worse. Council states that cannot accept responsibility should the Chinese members’ prediction materialize. Council states that considers responsibility protection of life and property should no longer wholly rest with council primarily a civil authority but rather with interested powers. Consular corps considers naval protection desirable especially in view of general conditions in this country.”
2. Legation is requesting the Commander in Chief to afford naval protection against any possible emergency endangering American citizens. British Minister has received since his arrival report and is likewise requesting British Admiral to send naval assistance. A Japanese warship has already arrived at Amoy.