893.00/11222: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:40 p.m.]
85. Following sent to the Legation:
“September 25, 4 p.m. Communist soldiers yesterday fired upon several ships with fieldpieces 45 miles this side Kiukiang, among vessels attacked being the U. S. Ship Oahu at which 10 shells were fired. Oahu returned fire with 19 rounds of 4-inch shells, 13 of which are believed to have taken effect. Oahu was fired at again a few miles further down river and fired seven 3-inch shells in return. Other vessels heavily fired upon in same area.
U. S. Ship Guam was fired upon by rifle fire from communist group on right bank of river at mileage 193 above Hankow and [Page 190] returned fire with 300 rounds machine gun and some 3-inch shells. Other vessels are being fired upon this area. Guam reports large numbers of communist soldiers with Red flags on both banks of river from a point a few miles above Chenglingki to mileage 200 above Hankow. No casualties on Oahu or Guam. Repeated to Department.”