893.5045/372
The British Ambassador (Howard) to the Secretary of State
Sir: In compliance with instructions which I today received from His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I have the honour to inform you that in consequence of the serious piratical outrages which have been committed in Canton harbour by strike pickets, and which culminated in the recent unprovoked firing on British and other nationals, His Majesty’s Government have instructed the British naval forces at Canton to seize and disable all boats employed by strike pickets.
In view of the recent outrage on and imprisonment of a United States citizen, I am to enquire whether the United States Government wish to associate themselves with the action which His Majesty’s Government are taking.
I have [etc.]