Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1938, The Far East, Volume IV

811.30 Asiatic Fleet/519: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell), to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)²²

[Nanking,] August 19, 1938—4 a.m.
[Received noon.]

0019. Advised tonight by Commander Takata, senior staff officer Admiral Oikawa, that Japanese Ministry of Navy in response our State Department representations considered and advised that Monocacy matter should be subject direct negotiations Japanese [and] American naval authorities in China. Accordingly Admiral Oikawa reiterates previous objections Monocacy movement as follows:

1. Movement would interfere Japanese naval strategy and tactics in manner not free to disclose but requests Admiral Yarnell to accept his personal assurance of this as fact.

2. Danger from chance mines and unfavorable American reactions and repercussions to possible injury therefrom.

3. Possibility mistaken identity and firing upon American vessel passing through hostile waters by “excited Japanese gun crews”.

4. Matang barrier prize of war through which as a Japanese controlled barrier we have no more right to expect free passage than we had through same unpenetrated barrier under Chinese control. Admiral Oikawa desires assure Admiral Yarnell that he is deeply appreciative of seriousness of Monocacy’s present situation and accordingly offers Japanese transportation of mail, food and fuel from Shanghai or Nanking to Kiukiang or of any similar service which might alleviate Monocacy situation, and in addition offers transport relief personnel by Japanese naval plane service. Earnestly requests that Admiral Yarnell realize his desire to cooperate to the limit of his ability short of giving his consent to Monocacy passage which must be withheld for time being because of undisclosable tactical considerations. In response to previous expressed assurance of appreciation of our responsibilities as a neutral, expressed highest regard and appreciation of American naval attitude thus far displayed and desires Admiral Yarnell know that the “situation would be less formidable” were American and Japanese interests the only ones at stake. Suggested Japanese escort of Monocacy Kiukiang to Wuhu as possible solution objections 1, 3 and 4 but suggestion unfavorably received. Oikawa also assures that present refusal is not to be interpreted as implying permanent control of Yangtze by Japanese but refuses to predict any date for relaxation of control.

22. Copy of telegram from the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Oahu to the Commander in Chief; transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.