893.00/8198: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 6—6:05 a.m.]
115. Following from American consul general at Hankow:
“February 5, 3 p.m. Iping and Chilai, American vessels, belong[ing] to Yangtze Rapids Steamship Company en route Chungking to Ichang with American refugees aboard, heavily fired upon at Patung yesterday. No casualties. Transportation on Ichang-Chungking route now very difficult and American vessels may be compelled to abandon service. Transportation down river from Hankow also increasingly difficult and very inadequate.
Chinese New Year period passed off quietly due partially to the continuance of very disagreeable weather. Large movement of troops down river from Hankow now in progress. Large number of troops arriving here from up river. Some of staff proceeding down river.”