893.512/1430: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 14—8:15 a.m.]
55. Embassy’s 44, October 10, noon [1 p.m.] and Swatow’s October 12, noon.12 I have telegraphed commander in chief13 as follows:
October 14, 11 a.m. The American Consul at Swatow telegraphs that the situation at Swatow is becoming critical, in view of the fact that the Chinese authorities are apparently not planning to comply with certain demands made by the Japanese Admiral at Swatow in connection with a dispute over taxation. The Chinese military authorities are reported to be preparing trenches to resist any Japanese landing forces. The Consul states that drastic action is not expected before Wednesday, October 16. The American Consul requests that an American naval vessel be sent to Swatow not later than October 16, to expedite communications and evacuation of Americans which, he states, will become necessary if the Japanese place landing forces ashore. I concur in his request and will appreciate it if you will order a naval vessel to Swatow, to arrive there on or before October 16 and to remain until conditions no longer require its presence.
The American Consul reports that a British naval vessel will arrive at Swatow on October 16.