393.1123R27/14: Telegram

The Minister in China ( Crane ) to the Acting Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

431. Am ordering Spiker59 to Shanghai to ascertain whether it is possible to secure arrest of Chang Ching Yao reported to be there and have him tried by Mixed Court on the charge of refusing protection in Reimert case. Definite knowledge of his whereabouts will at least make it possible for the Minister to demand that he be apprehended and tried by the Government of China. As Chinese officials are indifferent, some step of this kind is positively necessary to prestige of the United States. Instructions are desired.

Crane
  1. Clarence J. Spiker, vice consul, detailed to Peking.