893.00/11249: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:06 p.m.]
92. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:
“October 16, 3 p.m. Steamship Ifung of Yangtze Rapid Company fired upon at four different places between Chenglingki and Ichang day before yesterday. One shot from trench mortar hit the vessel but no casualties. Armed naval guard aboard returned the fire. I have lodged protest with local authorities against this attack and have done likewise in connection with other recent attacks against American vessels.
Large contingents of troops are arriving from Honan and indications point to a real effort towards suppressing activities of Communists and bandits in Hupeh, Hunan and Kiangsi, the latter province to receive first attention. Troops have already been despatched to Kiukiang for that purpose.
Martial law at Hankow still further relaxed. Repeated to Department.”