793.94112/44: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 8—1:25 p.m.]
624. Following is Foreign Office translation of a memorandum dated September 8:
“In view of the blockade declared by the Japanese Government of the Chinese coast between Chinwangtao and Pakhoi, the Chinese Air Force and other defensive forces are compelled to take appropriate action against all Japanese naval vessels along the Chinese coast. In order to ensure safety as far as possible to the lives and property of third parties, the Chinese Government requests that the naval and merchant vessels of all friendly powers, when approaching the coast of China, exercise utmost care in avoiding to come within such a distance of any Japanese naval vessel or any Japanese military transport as will endanger their safety during the operations of the Chinese defensive forces.
It is further requested that the vessels of all third countries intending to come near the coast of China, have their respective national colors painted on their top decks in such a conspicuous manner as will make them easily recognizable from the air.
The Chinese Government will feel much obliged if the American Embassy will immediately transmit the above notification to the parties concerned.”
Sent to Department, Peiping, Shanghai for the Commander-in-Chief.