393.1111 Nelson, Bert N./47: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 16—10:15 a.m.]
136. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:
“December 16, 3 p.m. The two trusted servants who were sent from Sinyangchow with $2,000 [$3,000?] to vicinity of Hwangan to effect release of Nelson and Tvedt could not reach destination because of robber bands and have returned to Sinyangchow. Dr. Skinsnes is now endeavoring to send same amount through a channel having connection with 5th Red army. In the meantime ransom figure has been raised to $10,000. Nelson and Tvedt were well, on or about December 10. Clark returned to Hankow after satisfying himself that Dr. Skinsnes is doing everything that possibly can be done to effect release. Repeated to the Department.”