893.822/2: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
224. Reference telegram 0018–2126 of Commander-in-Chief of Asiatic Fleet regarding representations to the Japanese naval authorities concerning the necessity in the interests of navigation by vessels of third powers that there be no interference with the operation of the Chinese coastal lights, which telegram the Consul General at Shanghai was requested to repeat to you.
The Department suggests that after consultation with your interested colleagues you approach the Foreign Office and point out that the attacks by the Japanese Navy upon lighthouse stations on the China coast and capture of Chinese customs vessels have rendered the operation of lighthouses uncertain. You should urge in the interests of navigation in general that these lighthouses be kept functioning and that the naval authorities be therefore directed to avoid [Page 466] any measures which would interfere with the operation of these lighthouses.