893.00/7733: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 9—5:29 a.m.]
465. My 471 [461], October 8, noon. Following from American consul general, Hankow:
“October 8, 4 p.m. My October 7, noon. Sun Ch’uan-fang is still at Kiukiang on one of his gunboats, and the movement of his troops out of Kiukiang did not reach large proportions. A considerable number were removed but there has been as yet no complete [Page 646] evacuation. Cantonese are now very near the city, and decisive developments are expected there shortly.
Conditions in Wuchang have been greatly exaggerated; American visitors there yesterday confirm considerable loss of life among women and children by being trampled to death at the gates, but practically no deaths from starvation. All Americans safe and well. Movement of refugees out of the city practically ceased as it is understood that Northern and Southern factions are close to settlement of the issue by compromise.”