393.11/846: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet (Bristol)81
Your 0010–1600. In my opinion there is no necessity of retaining a vessel at Taku Bar, but the presence of one at Chinwangtao is highly advisable. The number of Americans at Peitaiho is constantly increasing and the Chihli-Shantung troops are a continuing threat to their safety. Should any emergency arise it would be impossible to communicate the news with sufficient promptness to make possible the arrival of a vessel in time to deal with it Moreover, the constant presence of one or more American vessels would certainly exert a strong restraining influence.
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Minister in China in his despatch No. 1574, July 18; received August 20.↩