393.1121 Smit, Albert H./3: Telegram
The Minister in China ( Johnson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 12—11:05 a.m.]
122. Legation’s 108 [106], February 5, 1 p.m. Adams99 has telegraphically reported as follows:
“The Chinese issue of February 8 of the Peiping-Shanghai [Shanghai?] Times states that on February 6 a hearing in the Smit case was conducted by Deputy Tang from Tungchow; that a relative of the deceased and the accused were examined; and that on February 8th a re-hearing would be held at which time a decision would be given. A letter received by me today from Tungchow corroborates this report. The letter states that Smit went to Tungchow to appear before the Chinese officials on February 5th.
Unless later and more favorable information has been received by the Legation from Shanghai I respectfully request sending Consul Meyer1 to Tungchow by naval transportation, reporting direct to the Legation on case. I also suggest that after receipt of his report he make such local representations as the Legation may authorize.
Naval transportation for Meyer will be arranged by the senior naval officer present.”
I am replying that Meyer should proceed at once to Tungchow, being governed by paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of the Department’s 49, February 8, 1 p.m.2