893.00/8329: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 1—9:55 a.m.]
188. Following from American consul general, Hankow:
“February 27, 1 p.m. One of the three Standard Oil Company vessels, the Meihung, recently commandeered at Ichang over a week ago, arrived in the upper harbor of Hankow this morning loaded with armed soldiers. United States Ship Pigeon went alongside, took the vessel in tow and anchored near United States Ship Isabel, removed the soldiers numbering more than one hundred, retained most of the rifles and ammunition and informed officer in charge that rifles and ammunition would be turned over on request from Minister of Foreign Affairs or commanding general of this area against a receipt. I have so informed Chen.
Arms and ammunition consists of the general [sic] American merchant vessel: 579 rifles, 9 cases small arms ammunition, 9 rounds 3-inch field piece ammunition, 2 baskets leather belts and miscellaneous gear, 3 sabres, 1 lathe and miscellaneous gear. Troops were from 30th company, Ten[th] Army. Other two vessels were released several days ago. Protest against the seizure was lodged by me with Nationalist authorities 4 or 5 days ago.”