Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1937, The Far East, Volume IV

793.94112/88: Telegram

The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)¹⁹

[Shanghai,] September 24, 1937—4:10 p.m.
[Received September 24—10:15 a.m.]

0024. There is evidence that Japanese are destroying or capturing Chinese fishing vessels and junks. Instances have been reported from Chefoo and Hong Kong and derelict junks have been sighted along the coast. This is of course in violation recognized international law and of Hague Conventions²⁰ to which Japan is a signatory.

19. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.
20. See article iii, Convention on Bight of Capture in Naval War, signed at The Hague October 18, 1907, Foreign Relations, 1907, pt. 2, p. 1236.