Mr. Dun to Mr.
Gresham.
No. 103.]
Legation of the
United States,
Tokyo,
Japan, February 27, 1895. (Received
March 21.)
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith
translation reading of a telegram in Japanese received from Lieut. M. J.
O’Brien, military attaché of this legation, in which he reports the
surrender of the Chinese naval and military forces at Wei-hai Wei.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 103.—Translation from
Japanese.]
Reading of a telegram received from Lieut. M. J.
O’Brien, military attaché of the United States legation,
Tokyo.
Port
Arthur, February 19,
1895—10.50 a.m.
Fusan, February 20, 1895—12.05
p.m.
American Minister, Tokyo:
The Chinese army has surrendered the forts on Liu-kung tao (island),
together with the remainder of the fleet. The Japanese torpedo boats
have sunk the Ping-Yuen and several armored
cruisers besides. Two of the Japanese torpedo boats also received
injuries. Another Chinese cruiser was sunk by shells. On the night of
the 6th 13 Chinese torpedo boats attempted to escape, but before
reaching Chefoo were either sunk or captured. According to the Chinese
reports Admiral Ting and several officers have committed suicide. The
number of surrendered Chinese
[Page 104]
soldiers is 2,400. The intention is to keep the officers prisoners, and
to let the soldiers go outside the Japanese lines, taking away their
arms, and furnishing them with two days’ rations. These matters should
be reported to the American War Department by mail.
Lieutenant O’Brien,
Attaché of American
Legation.
