893.102 Kulangsu/160: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 29—1:25 p.m.]
British Ambassador invited myself and Admiral Yarnell to attend a conference at his house today at 5 p.m., with British Admiral, French Admiral and French Ambassador. As I knew nothing concerning which we could confer about, and as I had other engagements and discovered that Admiral Yarnell had other engagements and had had no notice of this meeting, I informed British Ambassador that we would be unable to attend.
British Ambassador called on me at hotel (he has just arrived in Shanghai from Chungking, Hong Kong and Amoy) and said in explanation that he thought it might be worthwhile for us to consult together regarding situation at Amoy. I explained to him that I [Page 62] had assumed that affairs at Amoy were being adequately handled by local Consul and in direct consultation with Department; that I had no instructions in regard to the matter; had no information concerning situation; and therefore could not add anything that would be of value to such a conference. (I desired to avoid such a conference here as there has been considerable newspaper speculation with regard to possible conferences by parties named and I saw no good in attending such a meeting, news of which would of course get out and confirm newspaper speculations.) I explained to British Ambassador that I would be glad to communicate to the Department any views he and his French colleague might wish to communicate to me. Matter has been left that way.
Sent to the Department from Shanghai. Repeated to Chungking and Peiping.