393.1111 Nelson, Bert N./59: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 2—9:30 a.m.]
50. Legation’s 49, January 31, 1 p.m. Following has been sent to the American Consul at Nanking: [Page 937]
“February 2, 1 p.m. Following from Hankow repeated for your information:
‘January 31, 1 p.m. I made a personal appeal to Mayor Liu Wen-tao this morning to telegraph General Chiang Kai-shek and suggested that he issue peremptory instructions to the military commander in the Changhsikang area to effect the early release of Nelson, failing which the commander will be held personally responsible. The Mayor promised to despatch such a telegram to General Chiang at once.’”