793.94/10988: Telegram
The Commander in Chief, V. S. Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)96
[Received November 5—7 a.m.]
0004. In conference by Admiral Little97 and myself with Admiral Hasegawa98 question of use Soochow Creek by Japanese was discussed. Nipponese have stated that they are entitled to use it. Hasegawa was informed, with the exception of one coastal motor boat, Chinese have been denied use of Soochow Creek for military purposes. If Japanese are permitted to use it there will be breach of impartiality [Page 662] which neutral forces have endeavored to observe towards both contending forces; also if Creek is used by Japanese there will very likely be sniping or bombing by Chinese especially in Baker Sector guarded by British troops; also in American and Italian Sectors and that prevention of such will be difficult; that further incidents will develop which neutral forces are earnestly striving to avoid. Hasegawa replied that Soochow Creek was not part of Settlement and that legally the Japanese had the right to use it. The Navy had no intention of using it but he did not know the plans of the Army. He would have a conference with them and let us know the results. We emphasized that we desired to know their intentions in order to take the matter up diplomatically. Soochow Creek in B Sector is at present crowded with junks and sampans which have used it as a harbor of refuge. Am inclined to believe that army will insist on using Creek as it will greatly simplify supply of troops as hostilities move away from Shanghai. We will inform Department of further developments.