893.00/11260: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:25 p.m.]
97. My 96, October 21, 3 p.m. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:
“October 22, 4 p.m. Catholic priests have arrived at Kiukiang from Kian and report the Fathers referred to in my October 21, 3 p.m. were tied together, paraded and beaten by Communists. No destruction of property at Kian had occurred up to 14th but considerable looting. Communist army which invaded Kian was led by Chu Teh, Mao Tse-tung and Peng Teh-hwai. The refugees left Kian 14th, travelling via Changshu; were arrested many times by communist soldiers but released on showing safe conduct issued by communist leaders at Kian who released Fathers for the purpose of permitting them go to Kiungchau [Kiukiang?] to raise ransom of ten million dollars. Priests observed no Government troops going to relief of Kian. Repeated to the Department.”