893.61331/106: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Gourley) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 21—7:45 a.m.]
Your May 18, 4 p.m.21 The word of caution suggested in your note has been given to tobacco company mentioned. Because of change of manager and intention of sending men into interior the company was reminded in writing on May 13 of contents of Peiping Embassy’s April 15, 2 p.m. In my letter I stated that Consulate relied on company to pass the advice on to individual employees. A high Shanghai American official of the company thereupon called and made the statement in the last sentence of my telegram of May 2, 2 p.m. I infer that you approved of my action in merely notifying the company and not sending individual letters to numerous buyers who have not called for assistance or advice. Americans not connected with company have reported that Japanese garrisons on railway as far as Ershihlipu have been strengthened since company was promised protection.
Sent to Hankow. Repeated to Peiping.