393.1163/62: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—8:09 a.m.]
453. My 288, July 17, 4 p.m.34 Telegrams received by Legation from Eglund, American missionary at Shihlipu near Sianfu, dated September 30th, report that situation there desperate. Legation was requested to take immediate steps to evacuate foreigners of whom 29 appear to be Americans who are detained within city. American consul general, Hankow, has reported that owing to inaccessibility of Sianfu it is impossible to afford relief from Hankow.
I have sent telegram[s] to commander[s] of the besieging army and of beleaguered forces inside the city asking them to afford every facility to American missionaries to leave Sianfu. Have also made representations to Foreign Office. It is extremely doubtful however that these measures will bring about any tangible result. I recommend and request authorization to send an American military officer attached to Legation to Sianfu with instructions and authority to take all necessary steps [and] practicable measures for rescue of American missionaries there, his necessary expenses, estimated to be about $500 gold, to be defrayed by Department of State.
[Page 644]It will be recalled that similar action was taken successfully in case of Mrs. Kilen—see the Department’s telegram number 7, January 5, 6 p.m., 1924,35 and previous pertinent correspondence.