893.00/4595
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
Peking, June 29,
1922.
[Received August 8.]
No. 763
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for
the Department’s information a copy of a circular which I have addressed
to Consular Officers in China communicating to them for their future
guidance the various instructions which the Department sent to the
Legation during the recent disturbances, outlining the attitude to be
observed by American officials in China under conditions of this
nature.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure]
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the American Consular Officers
in China
Peking, June 26,
1922.
Circular No. 80
Gentlemen: I beg leave to communicate to
you herewith, for your information and guidance, the following views
expressed by the Department from time to time regarding the attitude
to be observed by American officials in connection with the
political disturbances in China:
The Department believes that foreign nations should stand as far as
possible aloof from internal dissensions in China and accordingly
desires that officials of the United States in China adhere to
strict impartiality as between the local leaders of political
factions in China and that they avoid intervention of any kind
between factions or in the plans for the settlement of
dissensions.
As regards the adoption of positive measures to protect American
lives and property which might be jeopardized, the Department is
opposed in principle to the intervention of foreign troops in
settling local and factional disturbances in China and consequently
requests for aid should be addressed only to the Chinese authority
who may use such means as the situation requires. The Legation and
Consulates, however, would be expected to take every necessary and
proper precaution to protect American lives but only in the greatest
extremity where Americans are in imminent danger would the officials
be warranted to accept offers of protection from foreign troops. The
Department trusts that the Chinese authorities will take such
precautions as may be necessary to prevent any local disturbances
which might endanger the lives of foreigners.
I am [etc.]
