893.512/867: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26—9:30 a.m.]
794. Legation’s 785, October 19, 4 p.m. The following has been repeated to the Legation by the commander in chief: [Page 517]
“To U. S. S. Sacramento from commander in chief: Inform the consul general and the Standard Oil Company that the commander in chief, Asiatic Fleet, has directed you to give them aid as far as you possibly can without resorting to force which would result in an armed clash between Chinese officials and soldiers and our naval forces. The commander in chief has confidence in your discretion in handling this case. However, you are cautioned against making any bluff; that is, assuming any show of force which will involve armed intervention as a final action. Keep the commander in chief continually informed of the developments of the situation.”