793.94/6193: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 19—9 a.m.]
343. Spanish Minister who is also Senior Minister called on me yesterday to say that Tsai Yuan of Chinese Military Headquarters had come to him yesterday and in course of conversation had unofficially suggested possibility that protocol powers might place protocol troops at railroad bridge over Lwan River for the purpose of preventing destruction of the bridge and observing situation there. I discussed matter with my British colleague last night and this morning my British colleague, Senior Minister and Lagarde, Counsellor French Legation, discussed question informally. I stated that original purpose of protocol was to recognize the right of powers to protect Legations at Peiping from attack by Chinese and have free access to the sea in case of evacuation; that we were not threatened with attack by Chinese and access to sea for evacuation purposes was not interrupted; and therefore I did not believe that protocol was involved. I pointed out that both sides in this controversy evidenced a desire to involve protocol powers for their own purposes and I thought it would be wise for us to refuse to become involved under any such conditions. I stated that I did not believe my Government would favor placing American troops between hostile Japanese and Chinese armies.
Lampson agreed with my point of view and stated that he was sure his Government would not agree to the use of troops. Lagarde concurred. In reply to Garrido’s question we stated that if Tsai Yuan asked him for an answer he should refer him to us as individuals.
Repeated to Tokyo.