893.00/7670: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 24—3:10 p.m.]
430. My 426, September 23, 1 p.m. Following two telegrams from American consul general, Hankow:
“September 23, noon. Following from American consul at Chungking:
‘September 20, noon. It is reported that the Chungking military authorities are arranging to support General Chiang Kai-shih, thus giving increased freedom to radical Kuomintang organization here. Please inform Legation.’
Information of a similar character yet unconfirmed is coming in concerning the military situation at Ichang.
Practically all labor activities suspended all day yesterday in Hankow; participation in large mass meeting and parade in celebration advent of Kuomintang into Hankow. The day passed quietly after much speech making and wide distribution of propaganda pamphlets.
2. Additional American destroyers arriving this afternoon.” And
“September 23, 4 p.m. American destroyers Truxton and Peary arrived today and were not fired upon. Destroyers Pillsbury and Ford were sent down river to escort them past danger zone established immediately outside Hankow port limits.
Mei Yung, Standard Oil Company motorboat, fired upon yesterday up river near Shasi and quartermaster, presumably Chinese, killed. This attack is believed to have come from Northern soldiers now in that vicinity.
Sun Ch’uan-fang arrived yesterday at Kiukiang. Estimation of number of Sun’s troops recently arrived and passed through Kiukiang ranging from 60,000 to 100,000.”