793.00/9–1950: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Rankin) to the Secretary of State

secret   priority

391. Deptel 243, September 15.1 Chinese Chief of Staff emphatically assured Foreign Minister, who so informed me, that Nationalists have laid no mines in Yangtze Estuary subsequent June 27. Further mine-laying was under discussion by Chinese navy but project opposed by Foreign Office as soon as they heard of it and navy assured Foreign Minister that no such decision taken. US Assistant Navy Attaché [Page 514] states mines previously laid were Japanese type which would remain effective for years.

Chief of Staff also affirms no bombing objectives assigned Amoy region “about end of August,” and no reports of such action. Reconnaissance carried out by unarmed aircraft but careful check being made of flight records to determine whether any bomb could possibly have been dropped around date indicated.

Foreign Office expressed incredulity concerning report of bombing. Asked Department ascertain if possible exact date and number and marking of planes involved. Stated instructions to CAF not to bomb mainland very clear.

Chinese officials could scarcely avoid noting that British report in reference telegram mentions no specific date for bombing and apparently required about two weeks to reach Department thereby coinciding with meeting of Foreign Ministers.

Department pass London priority; sent Department 391, London 8.

Rankin
  1. Not printed. It requested that an inquiry be made at the Chinese Foreign Ministry concerning possible Nationalist mining operations in the light of the recent sinking of one British merchant vessel and the damaging of another. It also reported a British complaint about a recent bombing of Amoy by Nationalist planes during which some bombs landed near the British Consulate. (793.00/9–1550)