893.00/7703: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—8:20 a.m.]
454. My 448, October 2, 6 p.m.35
1. Following from American consul general, Hanko:
“October 4, 5 p.m. Two destroyers convoyed gunboat Elcano from Hankow to point shortly above Chenglingki. Gunboat Pigeon from Ichang joined them there, and the three vessels returned here this afternoon. None of them fired upon either at Wuchang or at Chenglingki, going or returning, which seems to indicate more moderate attitude of the Cantonese towards American naval vessels.
Aeroplane attacks again yesterday and intermittent firing throughout the night and today. General situation there and at Hankow unchanged. Sun Ch’uan-fang’s troops making some advance towards Hankow near Hwangshihkang.”
2. Unofficial reports from reliable source are to the effect that Sun Ch’uan-fang’s forces are being successful all along the line and that the position of the Cantonese is becoming increasingly hazardous.
- Not printed.↩