893.512/1433: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 15—9:30 a.m.]
62. Department’s 22, October 14, 6 p.m.15 Swatow’s October 12, 12 p.m. reads as follows:
“October 12, 12 p.m. I have the honor to report that I was informed tonight that a British warship is visiting Swatow from October 16th to 20th. Although this visit has not been planned on account of the Sino-Japanese it is most opportune. On October 11th I interviewed Admiral Shimamura who expected that satisfactory settlement would be reached early this next week. Since there is a possibility his confidence is not justified I respectfully request reconsideration that an American warship be sent to Swatow not later than October 16th to extend communications and evacuation of Americans which will become necessary if the Japanese place landing forces ashore. No ultimatum except in regard to trade has been sent by the Japanese but the Admiral stated that if the Chinese fail to comply with the demands already made further demands will be made next week and a time limit set. The Japanese Consul confirmed the Admiral’s statement to me in an interview with Hallett Abend of the New York Times yesterday. I do not expect the Japanese to take drastic action before Wednesday but believe they will do nothing more unless Cantonese attitude as reported by the Consul General categorically in his despatch October 8th is radically changed before the expiration of next week to comply fully with the Japanese Government’s demands. The Chinese military authorities are reported to be preparing trenches from Swatow to Fukien border, and may be expected to resist Japanese landing forces in case amicable settlement is not arrived at, at Canton in the near future. I am reliably informed Chinese authorities at Swatow do not expect to receive instructions to comply with the Japanese requirements.
Nanking and Department [not] informed.”
- Not printed; it stated that the Department had not received Swatow’s October 12, noon (893.512/1430).↩