393.1111 Nelson, Bert N./1: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:55 p.m.]
91. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation at Peiping:
“October 14, 5 p.m. Reverend Bert N. Nelson, holder of Hankow passport number 96, issued November 15, 1927, currently registered here and whose legal residence in the United States is at 425 Fourth Street South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was captured by Communists on night of October 5 at Kwangshan, Honan. I received following letter from Reverend Nelson today, dated Kwangshan, Honan, October 7:
‘I came into the hands of the Communists known as the First Red Army during the night of October the 5th when Kwangshan was stormed.
They ask me to respectfully forward a demand upon Chiang Kai-shek through your honored office for the amount of $300,000 Mexican. Or if the American Government will give $100,000 towards my release, only $200,000 win be expected from the former.
[Page 198]The above is dictation. I prefer to write nothing since I had warning from your good office. At the same time, I am committed to the task of being a missionary in China and do not see how I can avoid taking a call [chance].
I am truly sorry, but my sentiment cannot change the course of events.
The address of the First Red Army must be sought out along the Kinhan Railway in reply. A reply is expected within two weeks or soon thereafter. Respectfully, Bert N. Nelson.’
I have brought this case to attention of General Ho Chen-chun instantly today and have also telegraphed General Ho Ying[-chin] also at Chengchow requesting that immediate steps be taken to release Reverend Nelson. I respectfully suggest that the case be also taken up with authorities at Nanking.”
Repeated to the Department.