393.1111 Nelson, Bert N./68: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Nanking (Adams)
8. For the Minister: Reference Hankow’s telegram of March 9, 3 p.m.,17 to the Legation, which was repeated to Nanking, with regard to Bert Nelson.
Department desires that you make urgent representations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and, in your discretion, a personal appeal to President Chiang Kai-shek with regard to the treatment accorded by Chinese bandits to the Reverend Mr. Nelson and with regard to the long-continued failure of the Chinese authorities to effect Nelson’s release. You may point out that since Nelson was captured on October 5, 1930, the Consulate General at Hankow, the Consulate at Nanking and the Legation have brought this case repeatedly to the attention of the Chinese authorities and that to date no efforts put forth by the Chinese authorities have resulted in the release of Nelson. You may say that your Government and the American people are seriously concerned over the long-continued captivity of and harsh treatment given to Nelson and his fellow captive. You should express the hope that the highest authorities of the Chinese Government may give this matter their personal attention with a view to effecting the immediate release of Nelson and his fellow captive.
The Department is making similar representations to Minister Wu.