393.115/2184
The Secretary of State to Senator William H. Smothers
My Dear Senator Smathers: I have received your letter of December 13, 1937,65g in which you inform me that you favor the withdrawal [Page 427] of American ships and citizens from the area affected by the present conflict in the Far East.
The question of the types and degrees of protection which this Government should afford to its citizens abroad presents many difficulties and is one in regard to which opinions may very readily differ. In a situation such as has prevailed in the Far East there have been developed during more than a century certain rights, certain interests, certain obligations and certain practices. In the light of peculiar features inherent in the situation, all of the major powers have developed and employed, with authorization by the Chinese Government, methods for safeguarding the lives and interests and property of their nationals believed to be appropriate to the situation and warranted by the peculiarities thereof. Thus, for instance, there came about and there is still in existence the system of extraterritorial jurisdiction and various of its concomitants. Concurrently, many nationals of this and other countries have, during several generations, gone to China, established themselves there in various occupations and activities, and subjected themselves both to the advantages and to the disadvantages of the conditions prevailing there; and the American Government has, along with other governments, accepted various rights and incurred various obligations. In a situation such as now prevails, many of our nationals cannot suddenly disavow or cut themselves off from the past nor can the American Government suddenly disavow its obligations and responsibilities. The American naval vessels and the small contingents of American landed forces which have been maintained in China were placed and have been kept there solely for the purpose of assisting in the maintenance of order and security as affecting the lives, the property and the legitimate activities of American nationals, especially in regard to conditions of local disorder and unauthorized violence. These vessels and troops have never had in any sense any mission of aggression. It has long been the desire and expectation of the American Government that they shall be withdrawn when their appropriate function is no longer called for. We had thought a few months ago that the opportune moment for such a withdrawal was near at hand. The present, however, does not seem an opportune moment for effecting that withdrawal.
Officers of the American Government have repeatedly and earnestly advised American citizens, in face of dangers incident to residence in China, to withdraw and are making every effort to provide safe means whereby they may depart. During the current situation in China the American military and naval forces have rendered important service in protecting the lives of American nationals, in assisting in evacuating Americans from areas of special danger, and in making [Page 428] possible the maintenance of uninterrupted communications with our nationals and our diplomatic and consular establishments in the areas involved.
As of possible interest in this connection there is enclosed a press release issued by the Department on August 23, 1937,65h outlining the policy on which the Government is proceeding with reference to the situation in the Far East.
I am very grateful for your courtesy in bringing to my attention your views in regard to the situation in the Far East, and I assure you that we welcome at all times thoughtful views and comment on any phase of our foreign relations.
Sincerely yours,