Office of the Historian

811.30 Asiatic Fleet/481: Telegram

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

[Shanghai,] August 3, 1938—noon.
[Received 1:40 p.m.]

0003. Interview Chief of Staff Third Fleet, present my compliments Admiral Oikawa, states [state] that every effort has been made to assist Japanese forces by sending Monocacy clear of recent fighting Kiukiang and informing them of all her movements. Fighting is now over and though some mines may still be present it is obvious duty demands United States gunboat promptly gain touch with American nationals and assist them in every way; fuel also required. Request Admiral Oikawa issue necessary instructions in order for Monocacy to proceed installation not later than Friday after [alter] your movements as necessary to keep in touch with Ideumo until this matter settled. Advise result.

  1. Copy of telegram to the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Oahu; transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩