File No. 893.00/577.

The American Chargé d’Affaires at Tokyo to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

Replying to your telegram, October 14, the Japanese Government can not form an opinion as to the advisability of a concentration of American citizens. Regarding protective measures they are considering sending three more light-draft gunboats to the Yangtze equipped with wireless to establish rapid communication between Hankow and Shanghai. For this purpose there must be a vessel at least every 100 miles. It is suggested that several light-draft American gunboats equipped with wireless be sent to the Yangtze to cooperate with the Japanese vessels to keep communication open.

No further action determined upon for the present, and foreign office informs me none will be taken without previously advising me.

Japanese expect severe battle at Hankow within two days; therefore gunboats now there can not be detached for the service elsewhere. Chinese Government have informed the dean of the diplomatic corps that foreign concessions will not be harmed.

Schuyler.