793.94/9783: Telegram

The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet ( Yarnell ) to the Chief of Naval Operations ( Leahy )85

0030. It is my intention unless otherwise directed to notify the Japanese Admiral that under existing conditions I cannot recognize the right of Japanese men-of-war to stop and search United States merchant vessels and that I shall instruct the vessels of my command accordingly.

  1. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.