893.00/11454: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Ballantine) to the Secretary of State
Canton, May 20, 1931—2
p.m.
[Received May 22—9:31 p.m.]
[Received May 22—9:31 p.m.]
Commissioner of Customs, Hoihow, has telegraphed Commissioner, Hong Kong, that fighting is occurring in Hainan and situation is critical. British Consul General has requested naval authorities to send British warship there. Commander of the Helena52 has communicated this information to Commander of the South China Patrol in Hong Kong.
Three weeks ago and also last week 1 communicated by mail with American mission on the above urging preparations for evacuation in case of necessity.
Repeated to Department, Legation and Nanking.
Ballantine
- U. S. cruiser.↩