893.00/5272: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16—9:15 a.m.]
369. My 367, November 14, 4 p.m. Following telegram has been received from consul general at Canton:
“November 15, 3 a.m. Retreating soldiers continued to pour into Canton yesterday. Sun has established line just outside city to make last stand and serious fighting expected within 24 hours. No disorders in Canton so far.”
Following radio received from commander South China Patrol dated November 15, 6 p.m.
[Page 557]“Upon request consul general and with approval of Sun as protection against possible looting nine marines with arms landed at American mission at Tungshan east of Shameen in direction of tentative battlefield. Sun troops entrenching near White Cloud Mountain about four miles Tungshan. Sun still in city well and optimistic. His aeroplanes unable to locate advancing enemy but battle expected within two days. No disorder in city. Sun gunboat Yung Fung shifting berth to threaten supposed line enemy advance.”