893.00/12539: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received November 24—1:15 p.m.]
877. The Counselor of Legation at Nanking reports that Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs requested him to call and informed him that the Government has decided to take effective measures to suppress the rebellion in Fukien Province. The nature of the rebellion and its demonstrated connection with the communist forces necessitates [Page 545] such action. He informed me that exact measures had not been decided upon but a blockade was contemplated. In the meantime the Government requests that American residents in Fukien especially Foochow be warned to hold themselves in readiness to depart when and if this becomes necessary; also to avoid importing into Fukien supplies of any kind but especially munitions which might prolong the conflict if they fell into the hands of the insurgents. Peck asked and was assured that if air bombardment were contemplated due warning would be given.
Legation is communicating foregoing confidentially to the Consuls at Foochow and Amoy for their information and such precautionary measures as they may deem necessary. Legation is suggesting that they cooperate with their British colleagues, and to the Consul at Amoy the Legation has added the caution that he should not take an alarmist view of the situation. Legation is requesting both Consuls to report the number of Americans at their respective ports and at each of outlying places in their districts where Americans are residing. This information is to be communicated to Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Counselor at Nanking who meanwhile is being furnished with latest available information in the Legation so that Chinese Government may be aware of places where Americans are residing and take necessary measures for their protection in the event of military operations.
I have consulted with British Minister who informs me that his message from Nanking mentions intention of Chinese Government to station ships off Fukien to search all vessels approaching Fukien coast for arms and adds that a blockade of Amoy and Foochow may later be contemplated. His message, however, makes no mention of a request that British vessels be warned to hold themselves in readiness to withdraw.
British Minister is instructing Consuls at Amoy and Foochow to cooperate with their American colleagues in any necessary precautionary measures concerning protection of nationals. He does not propose to ask naval authorities to send vessels to Foochow or Amoy until Consuls request. British naval authorities, however, have been informed and ships are made available if required.
On the question of possible searching of British ships by Chinese naval vessels he has not yet formulated a policy. This question is not likely to concern Americans except perhaps with respect to an occasional Philippine vessel calling at Amoy.
Foregoing repeated to Minister at Canton. Admiral Upham is also reported to be at Canton.