893.00/10627: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
1030. Legation’s 1023, November 21, 5 p.m.20
- 1.
- The commander in chief yesterday telegraphed the Legation that he had directed naval vessels in south China to disregard the restrictions announced by the Chinese authorities with regard to the closing of the West River and to operate at their discretion.
- 2.
- The following telegram was received last night from the Minister
for Foreign Affairs:
“We have the honor to inform you that we are in receipt of a telegram from the Kwangtung Provisional Government: ‘In consequence of military affairs and for the sake of the safety of foreign merchant vessels, it has been decided to blockade temporarily the West River beginning with the 21st instant for a period of 14 days. Consuls of the several countries have been notified to transmit this information to warships and merchant ships of the several countries to the end that they all may evacuate. It is requested that the matter be taken up by telegraph with the Ministers of the several countries separately.’ We have the honor to address to you this special telegram and to express the hope that you will be good enough to transmit instructions to those concerned to acknowledge accordingly. This is our hope.”
- 3.
- Subject to the Department’s approval, I purpose to reply to the Minister for Foreign Affairs that with reference to his note of November 21, the Legation is instructing the American Consul General at Canton that, whereas he should endeavor to conform as far as practicable with the wishes of the Chinese authorities in this matter, he should at the same time make it clear that in spite of the proposed restrictions American men-of-war must continue the performance of their duties as authorized under the treaties and should they be interfered with and difficulties result in respect to either men-of-war or merchantmen, responsibility would rest with the Chinese authorities.
- 4.
- In this relation reference is made to the Legation’s No. 401, May 15 [19], noon, Legation’s No. 414, May 23, 7 p.m., and the Legation’s mail despatch No. 2130, June 8th.21