893.00/11176: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of
State
Hankow, September 10, 1930—5
p.m.
[Received September 10—3
p.m.]
79. Following sent to the Legation:
- “1. Conditions at various points along the river are
beginning to approach serious state of affair[s] spring
1927. Heavy firing by trench mortars, machine guns and
rifles on practically all vessels passing a point on the
right bank 45 miles this side of Kiukiang. Notwithstanding
foreign gunboats have repeatedly shelled the place, attacks
still being made on passing vessels. At three different
points on river between Chenglingki and Ichang similar
attacks being made on passing vessels. American merchant and
naval vessels have been attacked at several of these points
recently. No casualties thus far.
- 2. There have been exceedingly heavy shipments of
ammunition up the Kinhan Railway for the past few days and
still continuing. Heavy recruiting of fresh troops still
taking place; motor trucks in large numbers were
commandeered yesterday and shipped up the Kinhan Railway.
Many of these had been sold to private owners
[Page 187]
by local American
firm on installments and have not been entirely paid for.
There is great activity in military circles and unmistakable
evidence of impending major military operation along the
Kinhan front.
- 3. Strict martial law still being enforced Hankow but no
further public beheadings since those reported in my
September 8, 4 p.m.93 Repeated to Department. Mail copy to
Nanking.”
