893.00/11010: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 21—9:15 a.m.]
600. Following from American Consul [General] at Shanghai:
“July 15, 3 p.m. In vicinity of Soochow, Standard Oil Company launch Mei Foo II was held up by bandits on July 9 at 6 p.m. and all that was worth while was looted. One foreigner received slight injury but was permitted to continue. Chinese authorities have been requested to make investigation and punish those guilty of the offense and to take such precautionary measures as are necessary to protect life in this large commercial district. This incident is reported to the Legation as illustrating degree of protection which is afforded by National Government in the district where it has undisputed control. The bandits threaten that should the incident be given publicity [Page 149] through the press all Standard Oil Company boats will be captured when plying between Shanghai and Soochow.”