893.00/11330: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20—9:30 a.m.]
139. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:
“December 20, 1 p.m. It is definitely established that Tsingshih, Honan, was occupied for the second time by the communist army under Ho Lung from December 1 to 9, during which time a large number of gentry and rich people were ruthlessly killed and extensive pillage and looting [apparent omission]. Standard Oil Company lost 6,000 units of oil.
Steamship Chi Chuen of Yangtze Rapid Company heavily fired upon at several places between Chenglingki and Shasi by rifle fire and trench mortars on 16th and 17th. Naval armed guard aboard returned fire. Vessels arriving here today in passing through same stretch of river yesterday and day before not fired upon.
Repeated to the Department.”