893.00/10954: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 5—7:39 a.m.]
543. 1. Following from American Consul at Foochow:
“July 2, 9 a.m. As Lu Hsing-pang has joined Northern Coalition, suggest that you urge their Peiping representative to instruct Lu to facilitate departure and provide safe conduct for the Americans from his territory who expected to come down to Kuliang early in June.”
“July 3, 3 p.m. Negotiations of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to open river traffic have failed. Lu still refuses to assist Americans to come down. Am trying to communicate with him direct by naval radio. Have been informed Government forces halting below Shiukow awaiting assistance. Duration of impasse indefinite as no reinforcements in sight. In the meantime Americans throughout Lu territory in no immediate danger. Their safety would be most precarious should Lu forces suffer further defeat and disintegrate, although this unlikely. Lu now aligned with Northern Coalition and has recently executed three of the six commissioners kidnapped last January. Ironsides last reported to be Nanan, southern Kiangsi.”
2. Diplomatic Bureau here is requesting Yen52 to issue instructions to Lu in accordance with Foochow’s request.
- Marshal Yen Hsi-shan, Commander in Chief of the Northern Coalition forces.↩