893.102 Kulangsu/133: Telegram

The Consul at Amoy (MacVitty) to the Secretary of State

17. Reference to my telegram No. 16, Japanese continue to occupy International Settlement. They have placed machine gun posts opposite mainland, thereby drawing fire from Chinese troops and endangering lives of Europeans in Settlement. I have warned Japanese authorities of the danger of serious complications if American lives are endangered and the arrival of the U. S. S. Bulmer this morning on routine trip has caused the Japanese to fear that we may land marines. Am endeavoring to have joint protest made by consular corps regarding violation of neutrality of settlement. Japanese Marines making a large number of arrests of Chinese and it is reported that many are being taken to Amoy and shot. Planes are daily bombing from nearby points on mainland.

Transmitted to Embassy at Peiping, Chungking.

MacVitty