893.102 Kulangsu/218: Telegram
The Consul at Amoy (MacVitty) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 26—12:05 a.m.]
With reference to my telegram of July 25, 1 p.m., in my interview with Mr. Fitzmaurice this afternoon he refused to budge from his opinion that the withdrawal of landing parties at the present time would be a mistake in view of the following: 1. Every concession so far made to the Japanese has been followed by more insistent demands; 2. Despite assurances given at various times that there would be an amelioration of the food blockade, food restrictions have been intensified and threats are being made of cutting off the water supply; 3. Active press attacks are being made in Amoy against the Municipal Council in an attempt to stir up the Chinese against third power nationals. However, he agreed to consult his Ambassador by telegraph but he will strongly state in strict confidence his reasons for opposing the withdrawal, especially his opposition to taking any such step until the food blockade had been lifted.
Sent to Embassy at Chungking. Repeated to Peiping and Shanghai. Peiping please repeat to Tokyo.