195.95/87: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 8—3:18 a.m.]
969. Department’s 379, November 4, 4 p.m. Following from the American Consul General at Hankow:
“November 7, 1 p.m. There is not one scintilla of truth in statement that Yangtze Rapids’ vessels are carrying Chinese guards. American naval guards are usually supplied for voyages of the company’s vessels between Hankow and Ichang under present conditions but Chinese guards have not at any time been used nor has the company even considered requesting Chinese gunboats to supply such protection.”