Office of the Historian

811.30 Asiatic Fleet/520: Telegram

The Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell), to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)23

[Tsingtao(?),] August 20, 1938—10:40 a.m.
[Received August 20—10 a.m.]

0020. Unless you direct otherwise reference Oahu[’s] 0004 of yesterday, will reply Admiral Oikawa that while cannot relinquish any right of free navigation Yangtze River by our vessels am prepared [Page 173] recognize special situation now existing below Kiukiang and will delay sailing Monocacy until later date. Will accept Japanese offer transportation fuel, provisions [and] personnel since we lack any information of military operations now taking place near Matang boom and conditions in river. Consider it advisable retain Monocacy Kiukiang until Japanese cooperation for her passage down river is secured, probable future aid to nationals now at Kuling also to be considered. Request early reply.

  1. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩