Office of the Historian

793.94/10133: Telegram

The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)16

[Shanghai,] September 18, 1937—11:26 p.m.
[Received September 18—7 p.m.]

0018. In view of attacks on lighthouse stations on South China coast and capture of Chinese customs vessels by Japanese Navy, operations of lighthouses has become uncertain. This matter has been taken up with Admiral Hasegawa by Admiral Little17 and myself and ho has stated: “I myself deem it necessary in the interest of navigation in general that these lighthouses on the South China coast should be kept functioning and will therefore take such steps as to meet your request in consultation with the authorities of the Chinese Maritime Customs.”

The coast north of the Yangtze is being blockaded by the Second Fleet under Admiral Yoshida and the same question may arise there. It is recommended that the State Department make strong representations to the Japanese Government as to the necessity in the interest of neutral navigation of not interfering with the operation of the Chinese coastal lights.

AmConGen Shanghai repeat to Tokyo.

  1. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩
  2. Admiral C. J. C. Little, Commander in Chief of British Naval Forces, China Station.↩