393.11/636: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 9—11:28 a.m.]
532. Your 207, May 4, 6 p.m. Following from commander in chief:
“0007. May 9, 4 p.m. 1906–1200. Until consulates are re-opened above Hankow, I do not approve of any attempt to carry on trade above that port. Standard Oil Company’s steamer Yankee Arrow was escorted to and from Chenling to remove valuable stock of gasoline. No further operations above Hankow contemplated or recommended. In this respect the following despatch from commander North Chinese Patrol is quoted for your information: ‘0102. Your 0101–1217. Am distinctly opposed to this proposal. Speediest method of bringing Chinese to their senses is to continue cessation of shipping now existent. I do not believe this period of quiet will last long. I have no faith in assurances given by Wanhsien and Chungkiang authorities. Boycott and further trouble would almost certainly follow any attempt of this nature. French and Japanese are now completing their evacuation from Szechuan and Ichang. 1200.’ 1030.”
I concur in the above recommendation.