793.94/6291: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)

174. Your 455, May 19, 4 p.m. If United Press accounts of this incident are approximately accurate, Department feels that on the basis of this incident and/or any other similar incidents a protest by the diplomatic body or Ministers of the leading powers would be in order. You should take no initiative in the matter but in case the question is raised by one of your colleagues you are authorized in your discretion to take, as of your own conception, that position.

Hull