893.00/8065: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 16—1 p.m.]
34. 1. Following from American consul, Foochow:
“January 15, 1 p.m. The blame [funeral?] of the already decomposing bodies of Chinese babies being carried from the Spanish Dominican Holy Childhood Orphanage at Foochow precipitated serious rioting from 4 o’clock to 10 o’clock yesterday afternoon in the course of which the Spanish Sisters and the Spanish priests were compelled to flee and the property looted and injured. Although all Spanish missionaries with the exception of bishop are leaving today to Hongkong there is danger at least to the American Dominican Fathers and possibly to all foreigners since it was apparent that neither police authorities nor the military authorities were able to control the mob. With the concurrence my colleagues I suggest the despatch to Foochow of a foreign warship in order to assist in evacuating foreign residents should it become necessary.”
2. I have communicated substance of the above telegram to commander in chief, Asiatic Fleet, approving suggestion.