893.61331/98: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 13—2:05 p.m.]
206. Peiping’s 226, April 12, 5 p.m., paragraph 3. In view of our attitude in regard to American citizens visiting areas that are dangerous, and particularly in view of the fact that in this case Americans in question are cooperating indirectly with, and ask directly the protection of, one party to present hostilities in area that is very much [Page 309] disturbed, and considering that activities in question could not be carried out by these Americans except under the armed protection of one of the parties to the present hostilities, it is my opinion that American Consul at Tsingtao should be instructed to warn American citizens that they proceed at their own risk and that he should refrain from requesting Japanese military protection for purposes indicated.
Repeated to Peiping.