893.51/4459: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15—2:17 p.m.]
403. Following from American consul general at Canton:
“December 14, 2 p.m. …
At meeting last evening consular body decided to transmit diplomatic body’s reply to Sun Government today. See senior consul’s telegram of December 13th through the American naval attaché.85 Consular body also decided to address informal communication to commander in chief Chinese forces warning him that if Sun attempted to seize customs, powers would place marine guards in customshouse without contemplating any infringement Chinese sovereignty, powers being actuated by the utmost friendliness.
Plan outlined my telegram of December 10, 6 p.m.,84 adopted by the consular body. Naval commanders now working out details.”