393.1111 Nelson, Bert N./95: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 7—10:40 a.m.]
The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:
“April 7, 3 p.m. Letters dated March 26 received by Dr. Skinsnes from Nelson and Tvedt state that they are well and that 70 Chinese prisoners are being held with them for ransom. Brigands, who have received the medicines sent by Dr. Skinsnes, are now demanding $20,000 for release of Nelson and Tvedt. Efforts are now being made to effect release by paying reduced ransom through secret agents from Sungpu but on condition that the two captives be first delivered to a designated point between Sungpu and present bandit stronghold.
Repeat[ed] to the Department.”