861.77 Chinese Eastern/528: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
1063. My 1059, November 30, 1 p.m. Following from American Consul at Harbin:
“November 30, 4 p.m. Have received following telegrams from Leonard, American missionary who went to Buketu on American Red Cross relief work:
- Number 1. ‘29th. Fifteen aeroplanes, sixty bombs Buketu eleven to one today, one on station. All front windows out, center’s ceiling blown in, Chinese magazine aflame, many explosions, residences aflame, bombs fell all around our car, we in the fields. Many refugees here in great need. We are trying remove them, we Yalu [via Yal River?] this evening; morning train escaped by 20 minutes.
- Number 2. ‘30th. Three physicians massacred [Three Rivers District Massacre?] taking Manchuli, Chalainor, bombing Hailar Buketu yesterday, day before, even as trains, removal protection Tsitsihar.46 Danger further air raids, massacre, robbing causing Chinese, Russians flee great distress: thousands fleeing, hundreds camping cold snow-covered plains without shelter, many foodless, sick, wounded; Harbin congested, business bad, makes necessary additional funds, clothing, food, housing.’
Harbin ex-Commissioner Foreign Affairs Tsai Yun-sheng and member of the railway board of directors, Li Shao-keng, left today for Suifenho, perhaps Habarovsk, to conduct preliminary peace negotiations. Consular corps consulting almost daily. Situation at Harbin quiet at present, but, if danger from looting [by] troops becomes imminent, I shall advise local Americans, women and children first, men later, depart south to Changchun and beyond. American Red Cross might be interested Leonard’s telegrams. Department and Embassy informed regarding Tsai’s departure.”