Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1937, The Far East, Volume IV

793.94/9087: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson), at Nanking

Washington, July 30, 1937—7 p.m.

121. 1. Under date July 30 Tientsin telegraphs as follows:

“Although I consider disorder unlikely in Peitaiho, I suggest that in view of the large number of Americans there without telegraph or rail communications in this direction an American war vessel be temporarily stationed at Peitaiho or Chinwangtao to assist in telegraphic communication, allay anxiety of Americans and possibly render some other assistance.

“British sloop Grimsby at Tangku has taken aboard at least one American stopped there on train from Peitaiho which could not proceed further.”

2. Department assumes that Tientsin sent identic telegram to you and that you will take matter up with American naval authorities there.²⁷ If you wish Department to approach Navy Department here, please radio to that effect.

Hull

27. The Ambassador reported in telegram No. 350, July 31, 6 p.m., that the U. S. S. Tulsa had been ordered to Peitaiho (793.94/9115).