Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1930, Volume II

893.00/11252: Telegram

The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State

Hankow, October 21, 1930—3 p.m.
[Received October 21—10:20 a.m.]

96. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:

“October 21, 3 p.m.

1. My French colleague informs me that one French and three Italian Fathers and one Filipino and one Italian and four French Sisters are in hands of communist bandits who recently captured Kian, Kiangsi. Italian and French authorities have taken up with Chinese officials matter of effecting release and I have telegraphed Lu Ti-ping at Nanchang concerning release of Filipino Sister and have also requested assistance of authorities here.

2. Martial law has been lifted from Hankow for first time since early in July.

3. Yangtze Rapid lighter No. 1 fired upon at mileage 174 and 200 above Hankow by rifles and trench mortars day before yesterday.

4. Another bandit suppression conference will be held at Hankow in a few days. Troops continue to arrive here from Honan to participate in this work, the 60th and 61st Divisions having arrived yesterday.

Repeated to Department.”

Lockhart