Office of the Historian

393.1115/315: Telegram

The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)78

[Shanghai,] August 26, 1937—3:42 p.m.
[Received August 27—1:30 a.m.]

0026. During present emergency and without reference to Cincaf79 commanding officers vessels operating between ports Chinese waters are authorized to carry as passengers to the limit of suitable accommodations American nationals to further purpose of evacuation or for other urgent reasons. Number in each case to be decided by commanding officer. Priority to be decided by addressees in consultation with consular officials. Dependents of naval personnel under orders take preference. Personal baggage but not [Page 285] household effects may be taken. Explanation should be made of nature of accommodations and that no liability can be assumed for any loss or damage to baggage.

  1. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩
  2. Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet.↩