893.102F/9: Telegram
The Consul at Foochow (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19—9:15 a.m.]
5. Tokyo’s August 16, 11 a.m. Every consideration which led to the submission of the original proposal to have a ship call fortnightly at Sharp Peak is of course more pressing at the present time, when all approach from the sea is cut off, and although the welfare of Americans in this district is not immediately threatened, and they are reconciled to the acceptance for as long as may be necessary of their present almost complete isolation, it is respectfully submitted that any arrangement which it may be feasible to make to bring a steamer to the [Page 897] mouth of the Min River at regular intervals to import essential medical and other supplies and to carry the mails would be of the greatest assistance to the American community here.
Sent to the Department, repeated to Peiping, Chungking and Tokyo.