793.94/11083: Telegram
The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations
[Received 1 p.m.]
0012. Have sent following letter to Admiral Hasegawa:
“My Dear Admiral Hasegawa: The American Ambassador, Nanking, has informed me of a message from the foreign chairman of the Soochow International Relief Committee to the effect that the Japanese military authorities through notices dropped from planes have marked [warned] Soochow that after November 13th they will bomb Soochow indiscriminately. He states that Soochow is filled with civilian population and refugees from areas involved in hostilities and has requested me to get in touch with the Japanese military authorities to endeavor to prevent such a disaster, or at least to give time for some arrangements to be made between the Chinese and Japanese military authorities for mutually agreed upon safe area to which refugees could be taken. The present plan is for refugees to be taken to Eastern Hill adjacent to lake and Western Hill, an island near by and in the lake.
Appreciating the sincere and sympathetic consideration you have given request in the past, and knowing your earnest desire to reduce the loss of life and suffering of noncombatants as much as possible in the present unhappy strife, may I request your influence with the military authorities to accede to the request of the American Ambassador.
I am, very sincerely, H. E. Yarnell, Admiral U. S. Navy commanding Asiatic Fleet.” 1826.