793.94/11982: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Johnson ) to the Secretary of State

11. My 4, January 3, 5 p.m.5 Under date January 5 I replied informally to the Minister for Foreign Affairs6 that arrangements are being made to inform the Chinese Air Force through him of designated anchorages and movements of American naval and commercial vessels but I pointed out that in times of emergency it is often necessary to move naval vessels on short or no notice. I expressed the [Page 223] expectation of my Government that in making attacks the Chinese air forces will identify targets before attacking. I then detailed approximately positions of naval vessels and gave distinctive markings and requested that every precaution be taken against inflicting injury to them.

Sent to the Department. Repeated to Shanghai and Peiping. Shanghai inform CinC.7

Johnson
  1. Not printed.
  2. Wang Chung-hui.
  3. Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet.