893.515/1441: Telegram
The Consul at Chefoo (Roberts) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 11—8:45 a.m.]
My September 2, 3 p.m. concerning the picketing of the British bank. On September 9, having learned that at least 15 Americans during the previous week had been searched for Chinese national currency by Chinese pickets supported by armed Japanese sailors and that the picketing was interfering with the legitimate affairs of American merchants and missionaries, I lodged emphatic protest with Japanese Consul and requested the Japanese naval commander to exempt American citizens from the search.
The Japanese Consul has now informed me that the commander of the Japanese naval landing party has granted the request and orders will be issued exempting American citizens from search by the pickets at the bank.
Sent to Peiping. Repeated to Chungking.