Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1939, The Far East; The Near East and Africa, Volume IV

893.102 Kulangsu/216: Telegram

The Consul at Amoy (MacVitty) to the Secretary of State

Amoy, July 25, 1939—1 p.m.
[Received July 25—8:35 a.m.]

In reply to the Embassy’s telegram July 23, 10 a.m.,²⁰ and July 24, 4 p.m.²¹

1. The telegram of July 23 and the Department’s telegram No. 140, July 22, 2 p.m. [137, July 20, 6 p.m?], were not received here until late Sunday afternoon. Yesterday morning I endeavored to secure immediate appointments with both my British and French colleagues but owing to previous engagements I was unable to see the British Consul General until 5 p.m., and the French Consul could not see me before this morning. In my interview with my British colleague he strongly opposed the withdrawal of landing forces until the Japanese have withdrawn their food blockade. I argued that such simultaneous withdrawal would undoubtedly clear the atmosphere and stated that during all the naval negotiations the American, British and French naval commanders had repeatedly made this offer to the Japanese. He, however, still considered that a withdrawal would be a mistake. I have made another appointment with Mr. Fitzmaurice 5 p.m., this afternoon, and will be accompanied during this interview by Captain Stapler, Commander of South China Patrol.

2. My French colleague is somewhat of the opinion of Fitzmaurice but he has promised to submit the proposal by telegraph to his Ambassador.

3. In view of the above I have so far made no attempt to get in touch with the Japanese Consul General.

Sent to Embassy at Chungking. Repeated to Peiping and Shanghai. Peiping please repeat to Tokyo.

MacVitty

20. Not printed.
21. Not found in Department files.