893.801 Search/9: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

169. Legation’s 166, March 3, 1 p.m. Following from Hankow:

“March 3, 3 p.m. My February 27, noon. General Ho Chien has now replied stating that the search is for the purpose of suppressing movements of Communists. This statement does not harmonize with statements made by the soldiers themselves who assert that it is for the purpose of enforcing embargo against shipment of rice out of Hunan.”

For the Minister:
Perkins