393.11/1263: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
743. Following from Hankow:
“August 21, 11 a.m. The following telegrams have been received from Reverend E. T. Sheehan at Anjenki, Kiangsi:
- 1.
- ‘Catholic residence occupied by Lu Ti-ping’s soldiers; the residence was looted by Reds. After all bandits have left the town these so-called soldiers come and occupy our properties. Tell the Nationalist Government to make itself clear about foreign properties. It not only refuses to protect but it confiscates. National Government does no more to protect us than the Reds did.’
- 2.
- ‘Soldiers of Lu Ti-ping, Governor of Kiangsi, are preventing me from entering my own house in Yukiang; moreover they are completing the work of the Reds, using residence furniture for firewood, taking some few things the Reds missed; when Nationalist Government refuse to do anything what will America do? Will it do anything to protect us? Exact justice.’
I have telegraphed Lu Ti-ping protesting action of soldiers and requesting that full protection be afforded Reverend Sheehan and property of Catholic mission and have informed General Ho Yingchin of action taken by me and protest strongly to this action of Lu’s troops.
If the Legation takes any further action I should like to be advised.”
I have replied as follows:
“August 25, 1 p.m. Legation believes that you have taken all necessary and proper action.”
- Telegram in two sections.↩