893.00/10932: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 26—12:05 a.m.]
501. Legation’s 490, June 24, noon. Lieutenant White,46 now at Tsinanfu, telegraphed yesterday that the troops of General Han are withdrawing; that retreat is orderly and city quiet so far and that American Consul requests Legation urge Shansi authorities permit only regular troops enter city first as Shansi allies reported to be within 20 li of Tsinanfu. I am telegraphing Stanton as follows:
“June 26, 10 p.m. Your June 23, 6 p.m., and White’s June 24th. Legations principally interested have again reminded Marshal Yen’s representative here of the obligation to protect foreign nationals in the event of Han’s withdrawal from Tsinanfu. Chu47 has sent a further telegram to Yen asking him to renew his order to this effect. It is not regarded as advisable to make any specific request in that regard.”