393.11/1235: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 3—11:10 a.m.]
653. With reference to telegrams from the American Consul at Hankow transmitted to the Commander in Chief, the latter has replied as follows July 31st:
“There are now 3 American gunboats in the vicinity of Hankow. The U.S. Steamship Luzon is leaving Changsha, August 1st. In my opinion there is appropriate naval protection for Hankow and the difference [difficulty?] is due to the failure of nationals to seek a place of safety and remain away from unsafe places after repeated instructions from the Legation and consular authorities to do so. There are also reported 10 foreign men-of-war in the vicinity of Hankow and vessels of all navies are acting in concert.”