893.00/10423: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
369. [From] American Consul at Chefoo:
“May 8, 8 a.m. At the request of American Missionaries, other Christian organization, Fushan gentry and Chefoo Chinese Chamber of Commerce, I interviewed General Liu Chen-nien yesterday regarding permitting women and children to leave besieged city of Fushan. Liu has up to now refused to receive anybody, hence my being brought into the matter, which I did solely on humanitarian grounds. Liu received me most cordially and as a result he is willing to permit all women and children to come out. I got in touch with Chu Yu-pu’s representative who has also agreed. Further, in view of the large number of wounded numbering more than 300 within the walled city and number outside walls estimated at 400 but in area from which they cannot be rescued (apparently Red Cross workers are not recognized by either faction), I have brought Liu and Chu’s representatives together, and I understand that, as a result of conference, armistice will be agreed whereby both sides will permit volunteer Red Cross workers to look after the wounded and bury dead.”
I am replying as follows:
“May 9, 6 p.m. While not desiring definitely to disapprove of the action which you have taken as reported in your May 8, 8 a.m., I feel that you should exercise great caution not to become involved in a situation which might prove extremely embarrassing should either of the Chinese factions concerned suffer some unequal discomfiture as a result of the mediation which you have undertaken.”
- Telegram in two sections.↩