893.00/3319a: Telegram

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

69. Repeat to Consul General at Hankow. Press despatch from Tokyo reports “American marines who landed at Kiukiang at the request of British Consul killed two Chinese coolies according to reports here. They later withdrew at the request of local authorities.” Despatch says landing was to quell fight between Chinese policemen and coolies and that feeling against Americans and Europeans is intense as a result of incident.

Investigate and report facts to Department promptly.

Colby