893.00/11194: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 15—3:15 p.m.]
[81.] Following has been sent to the Legation:
“September 15, 3 p.m. U.S.S. Oahu heavily fired upon by Communist soldiers at mileage 203 above Hankow on the 13th. Oahu, which was escorting steamship I ping of Yangtze Rapid Company, returned fire with eleven 3–3 inch shells and 200 machine gun rounds. No casualties on Oahu. Red flags visible at five different points on river between Ichang and Chenglingki. Similar attacks on French, Japanese and British vessels proceeded this stretch of river on 13th and fire returned.
Attacks still occur daily on foreign vessels at point 45 miles above Kiukiang. Twelve mortar shots from trench mortar fired at Yangtze Rapid lighter number 2 at this point on 13th, also heavy rifle firing.
No substantial change in Changsha situation; population there in common fear of recapture of city by Communists in north which is still maintaining its position near by. Repeated to Department.”