393.115 Standard Vacuum Oil Company/47: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the First Secretary of Embassy in China (Salisbury), at Peiping
Washington, August 2, 1938—3
p.m.
211. Your 478, July 31, noon, and Hankow’s 329, August 1, 4 p.m., in regard to the placing of American marines on British tug for protection of American cargo.
- 1.
- Tientsin’s despatch No. 632, June 2344 in regard to protection of American cargo has not been received by Department.
- 2.
- Department would be reluctant to authorize placing of American
marine guard on a vessel flying other than the American flag without
more comprehensive knowledge of the facts in the situation. Please
inquire and report on points as follows:
- (a)
- what kind and degree, if any, of protection might be afforded the shipment by local authorities;
- (b)
- is there not available transportation flying the American flag;
- (c)
- what is the character of the danger referred to in paragraph 1 of your telegram under reference; and
- (d)
- what is the existing general practice in regard to affording protection to shipments between Taku Bar and Tientsin.
- 3.
- Please report as soon as possible upon the points mentioned above and give any available pertinent information that may facilitate Department’s arriving at an appropriate decision.
Repeat to the Ambassador.
Hull
- Not printed.↩