893.00/11955: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 16—10:05 a.m.]
533. Following from Nanking:
“May 16, 1 p.m. Wilden, French Minister, will leave Nanking May 17, 7 p.m. He would greatly appreciate information from you before he leaves whether the American naval forces at Amoy are now under instructions to join with naval forces of other nations in resisting hostile Chinese attack on Kulangsu if it occurs. He has heard an intimation that American forces are now under orders not to offer resistance but to confine their activities to evacuating American citizens. He desires above information for guidance in issuing instructions to the French naval forces. Respectfully request that you telegraph reply for transmission to the French Minister.”
To which I have replied as follows:
“May 16, 6 p.m. Your May 16, 1 p.m. Please inform French Legation that present instructions to American naval forces at Amoy contemplate landing force for the purpose of preparing for evacuation.”