893.00/7597: Telegram
The Minister in China ( MacMurray ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1—1:45 p.m.]
366. My 360, August 30, 5 p.m. Following from American consul general at Hankow:
“Concessions here overcrowded with refugees. Frightened Chinese from the native city still coming in, creating great concern and resulting in much confusion. They are much alarmed, not at the prospect apparently of the Southern troops arriving but of looting by Northern troops. In case of trouble in the concession, foreign volunteer forces and naval units will be utilized, in cooperation with the Chinese authorities, in protecting life and property. Chinese authorities have made such a request of the foreign consuls. Wu is known to be in desperate straits across the river and this is having an unfavorable reaction here.”