893.00/12546: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
389. Your 882, November 29, noon, 894, December 3, 1 p.m. and 899, December 6, 11 a.m.
In regard to the question of the search of American merchant vessels by authorities of the Chinese Government in connection with the “present rebellion in Fukien Province”, the Department is of the opinion that its views, as set forth in Department’s telegram to Nanking for the Minister, No. 10 of May 15, 1930, 1 p.m.,69 are still substantially applicable. If therefore the Minister feels that a reply to the Chinese note of November 25 is desirable or necessary, the Legation should be guided by the Department’s telegram above mentioned.
Department desires that the Legation keep the Commander-in-Chief informed in regard to the Department’s views and in regard to developments.