393.1123 Lincheng/27: Telegram

The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State

Just before leaving Tsinanfu night 8th I invited Colonel Chang, military aide of Shantung Military Governor, to come to consulate and showed him two telegrams just received from Naill reporting foreign captives without food and were otherwise suffering and would be killed if Chinese authorities refused to negotiate with bandits. I emphasized the extreme importance of immediate release and gave officer copies of the telegrams for Military Governor. Three hours later Milbourne telegraphed me Military Governor informed that he had instructed his Generals Wu Chang-chih and Ho to consult with Naill regarding release of captives. I hope for favorable and speedy result.

Schurman