893.00/11918: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received May 2—9:10 a.m.]
[Following to Amoy.] Your May 1, 10 a.m. Commander in Chief has communicated to me message from senior American naval officer at Amoy 0001–1500. In reply Commander in Chief has issued following instructions:
“If in your opinion lives and property of foreigners are menaced you are authorized to land in cooperation with other naval forces present as recommended. Such landing should be preliminary to evacuation. A continued operation is not contemplated. Forces should be withdrawn at earliest moment.”
In view of complicated situation I desire that you be particularly cautious lest some unforeseen incident involve us in operations beyond those strictly necessary for the protection of American life. We should not be involved in the permanent policing of Kulangsu with our forces. The situation in and around Amoy is very obscure to me. Please keep me currently informed.