393.11/919: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 15—3:30 p.m.]
282. 1. Following to Hankow:
“April 12, 4 p.m. Following from commander [in chief], Asiatic Fleet: ‘April 10, 4:12 p.m. As conditions at Hankow are now becoming normal, unless you have other recommendations, I intend to withdraw the U. S. S. Helena.’
[Page 451]Your comments are requested prior to Legation’s reply to commander in chief.”
2. Following from Hankow:
“April 13, 1 p.m. Your 26, April 12, 4 p.m. I considered that it would be distinctly inadvisable to leave this port unprotected and unless the U. S. S. Helena is replaced at the time of withdrawal by another naval vessel I would strongly urge that it be kept here. There is no solidarity about the local situation and even if there were it would be most awkward to be placed in the position of having to depend on other navies for the protection of American lives in some sudden emergency. This in general represents the view of the American community as well as my own.”
3. Hankow’s reply has been repeated to commander in chief with following comment:
“I concur in Consul General’s judgment that the naval force at Hankow should not be withdrawn at the present time.”