125.643/51: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 29—10:35 a.m.]
667. Department’s 265, August 10, noon,39 last paragraph; 273, August 17, 6 p.m., paragraph number 2; and 281, August 21, 8 p.m., paragraph number 3.
Following from the commander in chief.
“Your telegram of August 24, noon, and August 27, noon. I have examined the samples of plans for ceremonies at Nanking and have [Page 353] to suggest that, with the exception of two orderlies, no bluejackets be landed with Admiral Stirling.40 The staff of Admiral Stirling should be selected by him and should not exceed five in number. The uniform for the Admiral and his staff should be full dress. The United States ensign should be hoisted on the same staff as that from which it was hauled down, provided this staff is still standing at the consulate.
I contemplate having the U. [S.] S. Isabel fire the salute. She will be accompanied by a division of four or five destroyers, all of which during the ceremonies will be anchored off Nanking.
It is my opinion that we should resume official relations insofar as the interchange of salutes, honors, visits and ceremonies are concerned immediately upon the return of the national salutes rendered to the United States flag, for otherwise Admiral Stirling will be unable to return the salutes and visits which will be the natural result of the above ceremonies at Nanking.”
In the event that Cunningham is able to arrange for ceremonies, including an interchange of salutes, I shall be glad to receive the Department’s comments with regard to the last paragraph of the Admiral’s telegram and to be informed whether the Department contemplates any modification of the attitude indicated in the last paragraph of its number 265, August 10, noon.