893.102 Kulangsu/130: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Amoy (MacVitty)
Washington, May 17, 1939—7
p.m.
12. Your 25, May 17, 5 p.m., and Department’s 10, May 16, 6 p.m.
- 1.
- It is the Department’s concept that naval units are landed for purposes of protecting American citizens from individual acts of lawlessness and dangers incident to serious disorders. The Department hopes that it will not be necessary for the landing party to remain ashore for any extended period.
- 2.
- In order to enable the Department to answer inquiries from the press and other interested persons, including perhaps members of Congress, please send the Department by priority radio a statement setting forth how the landing of American naval units may contribute toward protecting American lives against excited and lawless elements. Also, as long as the situation at Amoy continues to be critical, the Department would appreciate receiving if possible somewhat more detailed daily radio reports than those thus far received.
Repeated to Peiping, Chungking and Shanghai.
Hull