893.00/10434: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Jenkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 12—12:15 p.m.]
Referring to my telegram of May 9, 10 p.m., and May 10, 6 p.m.63 Before Chinese renewed negotiations yesterday morning, I, as Senior Consul, consulted my colleagues and senior naval officers who authorized me to warn commander of revolting gunboats that if he failed to reach agreement with Cantonese authorities and persisted in remaining near Shameen and amongst foreign gunboats, commanders of foreign gunboats would probably find it necessary to change their positions which might make it possible for Cantonese aeroplanes to renew attack.
This seemed to have desired effect on revolting commander who assumed a more reasonable attitude, and good progress was made towards surrender until early afternoon when revolting commander unexpectedly refused to sign agreement on the ground that he must consult his officers and men. He then returned to ships and it began to look as though local government would insist upon aeroplane attack. As this would have been dangerous to Shameen residents, consuls warned their respective nationals accordingly and foreign gunboats prepared to change positions slightly in order not to embarrass aeroplane operations.
However, at 3:30 p.m., commanders from revolting gunboats returned to Consulate, and negotiations were resumed, with the result that gunboats surrendered about 6 p.m., and the incident appears closed.
Terms of settlement were not disclosed to consular body but it is understood that certain money payments were made to crew and officers with the exception of leaders in revolt. Just what will be done to these leaders is not known but it is hoped that government will not resort to harsh measures.
This incident has been one of the most difficult consular body has had to meet in years. Consuls recognized that local officials were representatives of recognized Central Government and that foreign gunboats could not permit revolting Chinese men-of-war to seek [Page 456] shelter indefinitely under shadow of Shameen and foreign gunboats. At the same time consular body did not wish to admit specifically that local authorities had right to subject Shameen and foreign men-of-war to serious danger while launching attack on the Chinese gunboats. Consular body believed, however, that the local authorities had right to demand that foreign men-of-war withdraw in order that an aeroplane attack might be launched.
Consuls assumed no responsibility or guarantees in connection with settlement but advised them and encouraged negotiations in order to avoid further hostilities which might involve Shameen and foreign gunboats. Local authorities has [have] verbally expressed thanks for assistance rendered. I permitted negotiations between Chinese to occur at Consulate General, and commander, United States ship Tulsa, as senior naval officer, allowed the Chinese commander to spend night of 9th on board. This was done at the request of local government and with the consent of the Chinese commander himself as a means of insuring that local gunboats would not attack city during the night.
Kwangsi offensive appears to have collapsed. Local government assures me Kwangsi troops on West River are retreating towards Wuchow and that Kweilin is in danger of capture from the north. Troops in the city appear to be loyal, and government’s attitude has stiffened very considerably. It seems evident now that Kwangsi’s plans miscarried. British naval wireless informs me all Americans up West River are quite safe. Full reports being [apparent omission] by mail.
Legation has been informed.
- Latter not printed.↩