893.00/7162: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
Peking, March 8,
1926—noon.
[Received March 8—4:58 a.m.]
[Received March 8—4:58 a.m.]
115. My 107, March 2, 4 p.m. and paragraph 2 my 109, March 4, noon.
- 1.
- Destroyer Preston which arrived off Taku morning March 7th and is standing outside bar reports early this morning troops have been disembarked at daylight at the mouth of Hai Ho, that heavy firing is in progress between fort and cruisers covering landing. Consul general, Tientsin, telephoned March 8, 10 a.m., that bombardment is on south side since it alone armed, that two of cruisers have departed, leaving only one to carry on attack which has taken up a position in the channel preventing pilots getting out or in and thus completely stopping navigation. No American merchantmen due until 17th, but apparently the position of the Chinese cruiser would prevent destroyer from proceeding to Tangku if presence there became necessary.
- 2.
- American consul general, Tientsin, further states that it is credibly reported, though not yet officially announced, that troops have been disembarked at Pehtang, north of Tangku, who have cut Peking-Mukden Railway and that it is believed any disembarkation in force will take place at the above point. All quiet at Tientsin.
- 3.
- Please inform Navy and War Departments at the request of attachés.
MacMurray