Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1929, Volume II

811.30 Asiatic Fleet/47

General Order No. 3–29 of the United States Asiatic Fleet on “The Policy of the Fleet”⁹¹

United.S.S. “Pittsburgh”, Flagship.
Chefoo, 30 September, 1929.

1. The policy of this Fleet shall follow the approved Naval Policy of the United States.

2. The development of the Fleet in preparation for war must be coupled with efforts to maintain peace and to prevent war. The more thorough the preparedness for war, the greater will be the influence exerted for prevention of war.

3. The duty of the Navy as an agent to assist in the maintenance of peace in the world is defined in Section 3, Chapter 18, U. S. Navy Regulations, 1920. Particular attention is invited to the requirements of Article 727:

“The Commander in Chief shall impress upon officers and men that when in foreign ports it is their duty to avoid all possible causes of offense to the authorities or inhabitants; that due deference must be shown by them to the local laws, customs, ceremonies, and regulations; that in all dealings with foreigners moderation and courtesy should be displayed, and that a feeling of good will and mutual respect should be cultivated.”

4. The cultivation of good will and mutual respect between personnel of the naval service and foreigners in every port and locality where our forces operate must be coupled with an exhibition of a sympathetic attitude towards all Americans resident therein. By the application of this principle a cordial contact will be established whereby the views of Americans as to their needs for assistance from our Government may be ascertained and they may be informed regarding the nature and extent of the assistance which the Navy is prepared to render. This should tend toward a common understanding with cooperation and coordination of American effort.

5. The policy of the United States with particular reference to China as enunciated by our Government from time to time is as follows:

a. Open door policy.

b. Aloofness from interference in the internal affairs of China.

c. Maintenance of the territorial integrity of China.

d. Traditional friendship for China.

6. The unusual conditions in China today place a peculiar and heavy responsibility upon the Asiatic Fleet to prevent incidents arising which will necessitate the active employment of force to protect American interests. The policy of units of the Fleet on duty in China will be:

a. The protection of American lives.

b. The protection of American property.

c. The promotion of American interests.

d. The cultivation of friendly relations with the Chinese.

7. If the forces of the naval service are required at any time to protect American interests in China in accordance with the foregoing policies, the following specific instructions shall be carried out:

a. Do not underestimate the opposing forces. Be sure of a force adequate to succeed and be governed by your own trained estimate of the situation. A dignified evacuation is far better than a defeat. American interests throughout China are affected by local incidents which may be to the credit or discredit of America.

b. By every means consistent with the spirit of this policy the forces of our naval service shall be kept from any armed clash with the regular organized forces of the central or any local Chinese Government, always bearing in mind the necessity of protecting lives. However, if our ships are fired upon without provocation they will return the fire to silence the same. When required to be present in localities where Chinese troops are engaged in armed conflict, both sides engaged shall be requested to give safe-conduct whenever practicable.

c. Protect American lives within gun range of forces of the naval service against disorganized mobs and rioters, or, preferably, if time permits, evacuate them to places of safety previously designated.

d. Within gun range of forces of the naval service, protect American property against disorganized mobs and rioters and against robbers and pirates, avoiding unnecessary risks to personnel. The degree of protection to be afforded American property will be governed by conditions existing at the time. In general, it shall not be considered as co-equal with the measures to be taken for the protection of lives.

e. The United States has no concessions in China and only joint responsibility in the International Settlements at Shanghai and Amoy. Forces of the naval service shall not be used for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of any settlement in China. Cooperation with other forces shall be strictly limited to such measures as involve the protection of American lives and interests or, in any unusual situation, to such action as may be justified for the sake of humanity. Actual command of any forces of the naval service will not be exercised by any foreigner.

f. The forces of the naval service located on shore in Shanghai shall not be quartered outside the International Settlement nor employed outside thereof except in carrying out these instructions.

g. The Marine Detachment, American Legation, Peiping, shall not be quartered outside the American Legation compound except by special authority of the Commander in Chief and for any operations outside thereof will be governed by the policy and instructions herein contained.

8. Any situation which may arise must necessarily require an estimate of said situation, a decision, and a plan of action to meet the local conditions and attendant circumstances, but the estimate shall be made with the policy and instructions herein set forth fully in mind.

Chas. B. McVay, Jr.

U. S. Asiatic Fleet Admiral, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief

91. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Consul General at Shanghai, in his despatch No. 6230, November 2; received December 21, 1929.