793.94/11764: Telegram
The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)46
[Received December 22—6 a.m.]
0021. Told Hasegawa today existing restrictions access Americans to their properties Hongkew, Yangtzepoo, Pootung causing much ill will, resentment; he said situation being studied with view relaxation. Feel Admiral sincerely anxious improve conditions but lacks full authority; well-founded reports indicate much graft, bribery connection entry property, removal passes Hongkew.
Advised him our only object in not acceding entry Nipponese Marines their mills our sector here was desire prevent incidents and if troops brought into area quietly, inconspicuously in small numbers, trucks also remained inside mills, I would offer no further objection. He approved this. We set 1st January such entry which agreement believed satisfactory, army has evidently pressed Navy send forces mills and latter’s face will be saved by this arrangement.
Informed him that several press interview statements by General Harada not accordance facts, also couldn’t understand how naval planes flying Nanking months with U. S. gunboats present unable recognize Panay this occasion; he cried [replied?] there was much confusion, his planes acting on army information, that Chinese vessels escaping up river from capital plus many aviators very recently changed and denied sea aircraft under orders military.
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩