893.00/7809: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6—5: 03 a.m.]
533. Following from American consul general at Hankow:
“November 5, noon. American naval radio from Kiukiang 11:30 last night stated that city captured by Southerners. Northerners offered but little resistance, and evacuation of the city was in progress. Considerable firing in the neighborhood of railway station and desultory firing in other parts of native city. British, Japanese and American naval units landed yesterday afternoon as a precautionary measure for the protection of foreigners in the Concession. No trouble reported in Concession. Large number of junks loaded with soldiers passing downstream from Kiukiang and there are 12 steamers and 4 gunboats on the river below Kiukiang at the entrance of Po-yang Lake. Many Northern troops have crossed river at Kiukiang to north bank and French report states that Sun Ch’uan-fang has left for Nanking. This report is unconfirmed by American authorities. Gunboats Isabel and Pigeon and destroyer Truxton now at Kiukiang. Latest report from British sources states Northerners counterattacking at Kiukiang.”