Office of the Historian

811.30 Asiatic Fleet/473: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell), to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)18

[Tsingtao,] July 29, 1938—2:42 p.m.
[Received 3:05 p.m.]

0029. [For the Ambassador in China:] Reference recent incidents at Chefoo, consider it most desirable that minor affairs be settled locally as far as possible. Commander Japanese naval landing party and Jap Consul have been most reasonable, show great desire to maintain friendly relations and settle differences locally. Believe that if every incident must be referred elsewhere for settlement these two officials will change attitude and make situation more difficult. Incident of brawl between enlisted men and local police was settled by Consul on my recommendation. Consider our Consul and our senior naval officer Captain Carroll both men of sound judgment, capable of handling all minor matters. Do not anticipate any further difficulties at Chefoo.

  1. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩