793.94/9351

Memorandum by Mr. Joseph W. Ballantine of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs

Texts of two priority telegrams received by the Navy Department which were read over the telephone to Mr. Ballantine by Lt. Welles Roberts at 9:05 a.m., August 14, 1937

From the Commander in Chief of the Asiatic Fleet to the American Embassy at Nanking.

August 14, 5:15 p.m.

Request you make vigorous protest Chinese Government of bombing American vessel Shanghai by Chinese planes. Two bombs dropped within 20 yards of Augusta. This bombing occurred at 4:40 p.m.

August 14, 5:27 p.m.

In case any further bombing of U. S. vessels will use anti-aircraft battery in self-defense.