393.1115/1057: Telegram
The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)62
[Received September 22—1:35 p.m.]
1422. The policy of Cincaf during the present emergency is to employ United States naval forces under his command so as to offer all possible protection and assistance to our nationals in cases where needed. Naval vessels will be stationed in ports where American citizens are concentrated and will remain there until it is no longer possible or necessary to protect them or until they have been evacuated. This policy based on our duties and obligations will be continued as long as the present controversy between China and Japan exists and will continue in full force even after our nationals have been warned to leave China and after an opportunity to leave has been given. Most American citizens now in China are engaged in businesses or professions which are their only means of livelihood; these persons are unwilling to leave until their businesses have been destroyed or they are forced to leave due to actual physical danger. Until such time comes our naval forces can not be withdrawn without failure in our duty and without bringing great discredit on the United States Navy. In giving assistance and protection our naval forces may at times be exposed to dangers which will in most cases be slight but in any case these risks must be accepted.
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩