893.00/11039: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
649. 1. Following from American Consul at Hankow:
“July 31, 1 p.m. Reports believed to be authentic that Laohokow taken by bandits on July 30. Siaokan is also in the hands of bandits. I interviewed Colonel Tan today. He stated that a division from South Hupeh and two divisions from South Hunan were hastening to aid of Changsha. He does not consider bandit depredations Laohokow and Siaokan serious and states a regiment has been detailed to maintain communication on Kinhan line. He reaffirmed confidence in local situation and Kinhan front. While I have considerable faith in Colonel Tan himself, I still believe augmentation of American naval forces here advisable at once as stated heretofore.
Palos were [went] up to Changsha 6 this morning and was fired upon by Communists who hit ship about 100 times, inflicting 5 slight flesh wounds on personnel. Palos returned fire with small arms and 3-inch, killing about 30 Communists and wounding others. Indications that Communists are withdrawing from Changsha with apparent destination Pingsiang. Palos returned 7 a.m. to Standard Oil Company, inspector boarded below Changsha.
I have not made representations concerning Changsha to Hankow headquarters as Legation may wish to do so direct to Nanking.
It is my intention to send a representative of Consulate to Changsha as soon as conditions permit to prepare a detailed report of the affair, if the Legation approves.”
2. The Legation is approving despatch of representative to Changsha as soon as conditions make it prudent.
- Telegram in two sections.↩