893.0146/609a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai ( Gauss )
17. Department and Chief of Naval Operations9 learned by accident a few days ago that a contingent of U. S. Marines sent as re-enforcements to Shanghai in August 1937 had been withdrawn. Responding to Department’s request for particulars, Navy Department informed us on January 4 that there left Shanghai on November 10 last, on the Henderson for Cavite, Marines numbering 2 officers and 102 enlisted men.
This apparently had not been especially reported to Navy Department or in any way to this Department.
This Government is trying to maintain close liaison with other governments interested in common with us in problems of protection, etc. Exchange of information and views with regard to use and movements of armed forces in connection with those problems is a part of the procedure. Publicity here in regard to contemplated or effected increases or decreases in the numbers of American armed forces in China is sometimes desirable and sometimes not desirable. Department therefore wishes to be informed, in advance when possible, whenever such increases or decreases are in contemplation or are effected.
- Adm. William D. Leahy.↩