893.00/10447: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 19—11:45 a.m.]
401. My 397, May 18, 1 p.m. Following from American Consul General at Canton:64
“May 18, 1 p.m. Commissioner of Foreign Affairs has just informed me that Canton Government intends to close West River to merchant shipping and foreign men-of-war during next fourteen days when it hopes to capture Wuchow. Commissioner said, however, that evacuation [Page 458] of foreigners would be permitted and that the passage of one gunboat to and from Wuchow would be allowed for this purpose.
I told Commissioner that I would refer matter to my Government, but said, in the meantime, that American men-of-war would undoubtedly go wherever they felt their presence was needed in protection of American lives and property under treaties. I added, however, that as far as conditions permitted I felt sure our gunboats would endeavor not to embarrass local government in its military operations.
United States ship Guam is now on her way to Wuchow, and there is no American ship in Canton at present.”
I am repeating this telegram by commercial to commander of the South China Patrol at Hong Kong.
- This telegram from the Consul General at Canton was received direct by the Department on May 18 at 9:03 p.m.↩