893.00/8609: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 6—6:21 p.m.]
My April 3, 8 p.m. Evacuation of Japanese women and children still continues. Strict patrol of Japanese Concession by volunteers [Page 279] and naval forces still maintain. All Japanese banks and business houses in other concessions strongly picketed and Japanese business completely paralyzed. The affair Sunday is culmination of long series of irritating incidents directed towards Japanese. Three Japanese destroyers arrived this morning and all Japanese refugee ships are being convoyed down river. There is constantly increasing unemployment and a continued suspension of all foreign banks is adding difficulties to an already complicated and demoralized economic situation. There is growing unrest among coolie element and local situation is full of serious possibilities. Legation informed.