893.51/4434: Telegram

The Minister in China ( Schurman ) to the Secretary of State

381. My 379, December 1, 4 p.m. I have received following from consul general at Canton: [Page 560]

“December 3, 12 noon. Norman has just informed me that Sun Yat-sen will have a conference this afternoon to decide whether to attempt to seize Maritime Customs. There are now 4 British and 2 French warships in port and British and French Admirals also here, indications being that these powers will declare blockade if Sun attempts seizure of customs. If port is blockaded I am of the opinion we should join therein because failure to do so on our part would cause complications and strengthen Sun position. At the same time however I believe we should reserve freedom of action. Urge definite instructions be sent this consulate general and commander of the South China Patrol outlining generally position we should assume.”

I have replied:

“December 4, 12 noon. Your December 3, 12 noon. Diplomatic corps on December 7th [1st] after despatching telegram to senior consul74 of which you are aware discussed steps to be taken. Plan for blockade had been considered in view of Sun’s threat to declare open port but was abandoned in view of the fact that latest official reports from you and others indicated he had now reverted to plan of seizing customs. Question of landing sailors or marines to forestall seizure not favored but British, French and Italian Ministers strongly favor demonstration by war vessels which they hope will cause Sun to desist from seizure. In the event of his seizing customs they favor placing naval forces at Canton at the disposal of consular body giving latter considerable latitude as to what action if any short of actual warfare should be taken in the event of seizure.

Japanese Minister and I telegraphed our Governments for instructions and I shall telegraph you immediately upon receipt.

I am repeating your December 3, 12 noon, to the Department.”

Commander South China Patrol telegraphs that there are 2 French, 4 British, 1 Japanese, 2 American warships at Canton, also British commander in chief and French senior naval officer on station, and that he has informed British Admiral he cannot join in any force action in the absence of instructions.

In view of urgency I request immediate instructions for myself and for the commander South China Patrol.

For the Minister:
Bell
  1. See third and fourth paragraphs of telegram printed supra.