793.94/14128: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 21—8:13 a.m.]
508. Department’s 270, October 18, 6 p.m., apparently crossed my 497, October 19, 10 a.m. Shanghai’s 1344, October 17, 6 p.m., has been communicated to Commander-in-Chief by Shanghai and I am confident that Commander-in-Chief will bear in mind Department’s 177, June 13, 11 p.m.,49 in dealing with questions thus arising. Department will note that my 497, October 19, 10 a.m., was sent to Shanghai to be communicated to Commander-in-Chief. My personal views are therein set forth. I have not as yet received any comment from Commander-in-Chief but have not expected any as I am sure that Navy will take every feasible step to safeguard American vessels while at the same time doing what is humanly possible to perform primary mission of keeping up communications and protecting American lives. Uuless Department has other instructions I would prefer to follow Department’s suggestion to file Tani’s letter.50