393.1163Am3/57: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 12—11:30 a.m.]
274. Referring to my telegram 270, April 9, 2 [3?] p.m. Following from American Consul General, Hankow:
“April 10, noon. Following received from Bishop O’Shea at Kanchow this morning: ‘Communist army near and reinforcements several days away. City preparing for siege. Juikin mission burned. Request you urge Nanchang take prompt action.’
I have requested the Nanchang authorities to send immediate relief and have also requested Chiang Kai-shek through local Commissioner of Foreign Affairs to despatch sufficient military units to Kanchow area to afford protection to American lives and property.
I concur in Jenkins’ recommendation to Bishop O’Shea to withdraw.”
Following from American Consul, Canton:
“April 10, 2 p.m. Following telegram has been received from Bishop O’Shea: ‘Defeated troops from north not [now] crossing Kiangsi. Communist army nearing Kanchow. Reinforcements officially reported on the way from Nanchangfu but will not arrive for several days. City preparing for siege. Juikin mission burned.’”