393.1111 Nelson, Bert N./90: Telegram
The Minister in China ( Johnson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2—1:50 p.m.]
182. Legation’s 170 [178], March 31 [30?], 3 p.m. Following from American Consul, Hankow:
“April 1, 3 p.m. The following telegram has been sent to Nanking:
‘April 1, 3 p.m. My March 30, 4 p.m. For the Minister: In an interview with General Ho Chen-chun on Monday and today with General Li Ming-chung, who is the director of bandit suppression on the Hupeh, Honan and Anhwei borders, I again urged upon them the necessity of a constructive and sustained effort to effect release of Nelson and Tvedt. Thejr both claim insufficient forces available for advance at this time against Red brigands in northeast Hupeh but I received distinct impression the Nanking authorities are now placing the onus of suppressing the brigands and also effecting the rescue on these two generals especially the last named. General Li stated that he has received instructions direct from C. T. Wang. Indications are that a drive will be shortly started, for the first time, against the brigands by sending additional troops to southern Honan and northern Hupeh. General Li is leaving for southern Honan soon. He added the fact that General Hsia is his subordinate commander and that Hsia has not received direct instructions from Nanking and that in any event instructions to Hsia would be sent through him (General Li) which has been done.’”