393.1115/12–1348: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot)
2191. Assume you have recd from Adm Badger copy Navy message quoting Dept letter Dec 10 to Sec Navy stating US armed forces China should be employed solely for protection US lives and certain Govt property. This letter approved by President and NSC.17
In view urtel 2750 Dec 13 stating Marine guards to be provided during emergency for US utility and petroleum installations Dept desires clarification installations to be afforded such protection. If installations consist only main Shanghai Power Co plant on Whangpoo below Bund and US oil company installations on water front easy of access to US Naval craft, Dept perceives no objection stationing US Marine units as guards with understanding such guards to be provided only during emergency and to be withdrawn immediately after interregnum between breakdown present local govt and establishment successor regime. Pls confirm.
Navy Dept concurs use Marine units as described above.
Dept leaves your discretion question discussing now with appropriate Chi authorities taking such action or effecting other arangements when and if you deem use Marine guards necessary.
For your info former Amb Gauss18 states that from his experience US armed forces during times disturbances in past have guarded Shanghai Power Co main installation but have not furnished protection other private US property, except Stan-Vac installation which was source oil for US Navy.
Pls furnish Adm Badger and Adm Crawford copy of this message.