Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1926, Volume I

893.00/7279: Telegram

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

Peking , April 7, 1926—noon .
[Received April 7—2:34 a.m.]

166. My 164, April 3, 5 p.m.

1. Bombs were dropped on Peking by an aeroplane again on 4th and 5th instant, but without serious results. Consequent upon a decision taken at a diplomatic meeting yesterday Senior Minister addressed note to the Minister for Foreign Affairs expressing concern at the danger threatening the Legations and the lives and properties of their nationals in Peking due to outbreak of hostilities in the Capital. While reaffirming their neutrality, the foreign Ministers reminded the Chinese Government of its responsibility to protect foreigners as well as to avoid further interruption of the Customs Conference. The note recalled the note of September 25, 1924, regarding air raids over Peking¹⁴ and, in protesting against flight of aeroplanes over the Diplomatic Quarter, held the Chinese Government responsible for any possible injuries to the life or property of foreigners concerned throughout the city. Note closed with an expression of sympathy, with an appeal made by various Chinese public organizations for the cessation of air raids.

2. Indications persist that Wu Pei-fu and Lu Chung-lin are negotiating an alliance, but it is also possible that the other armies of the Kuominchun may unite to eject the First Army from Peking. Secret negotiations are in progress and almost any regrouping of factions seems possible.

MacMurray

14. See telegram No. 364, Sept. 26, 1924, from the Chargé in China, Foreign Relations, 1924, vol. i, p. 379.