811.3393/12–948: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 10—5:54 a.m.]
422. Mayor Tu Chieh-shih called on me yesterday afternoon and referring to press reports (since proved [to] be accurate) of landing of US Marines in Shanghai, said that he hoped a detachment of 800 or 1000 Marines could be landed at Tientsin. He said that it most important to keep up morale troops and he expressed opinion that [Page 926] present small detachment US Marines in Tientsin would have a very beneficial effect on morale troops North China. I listened to what mayor had to say but made no comment.
Sent Nanking 663 [664?], repeated Department 422.