893.00/8300: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
72. Your telegram 164 of February 22, 11 a.m. It is the understanding of the State Department that the standing instructions issued to the commander in chief of the American naval forces in Chinese waters require him to utilize the forces at his disposal for the taking of all possible steps for the protection of American life and property. The Admiral is aware that it is the earnest desire of this Government to avoid as far as possible any contingency whereby, through the use of its military forces, it may become involved in the political question of the status of the International Settlement. In making his plans he is guided by this knowledge. It was not the intention of the Department of State, nor does the Department believe that it is the intention of the commander in chief, that the withdrawal of American naval forces from Shanghai or the evacuation of American citizens from Shanghai, should take place except as a possible last resort at such time as, in the judgment of the Admiral, military necessity dictates such action. The following telegram has been sent to the commander in chief of the American naval forces:
“Reference to your 0022–2230. You are hereby authorized, at your discretion, to utilize in the protection of the lives and property of American citizens all forces under your command.”