811.3393/3–1449: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 14—12:46 a. m.]
118. Badger planning transfer some 600 men of 3rd Marines now based Tsingtao aboard USS Chilton to Shanghai relieve 9th Marines after March 15. Also tentative plan for second trip south with flagship about end March whereafter no longer base flagship Tsingtao but move about freely as floating headquarters. Cruisers and destroyers also become more mobile, not consider Tsingtao main station Service squadron, with reduced number vessels remaining Tsingtao, also shore patrol of one company Marines retained in barracks on Kuangsi Road. Expect [Page 1201] Badger devote more attention to southeast Asia view disorders there.