893.512/866: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
Washington, October 26,
1928—5 p.m.
360. Your 785, October 19, 4 p.m.
- 1.
- Inform Consul General that I do not regard as desirable in the premises any use of force.
- 2.
- If the gunboat has already been sent alongside, she may remain as I do not wish to reverse you or the Consular officer on action already taken or to invite additional offensive acts by the Chinese. But Consul and naval commander should be instructed to exercise utmost circumspection.
- 3.
- The principle which I wish to have observed in such situations is that of using force only for protection of American lives or to prevent outrage to the flag or to vessels properly flying it.
Kellogg