893.00/11399: Telegram

The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State

34. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:

“April 9, noon. Steamship Iping of Yangtze Rapid Steamship Company fired upon yesterday at Kueichow above Ichang by Red brigands and heavily fired upon at mileage 5 above Ichang by Government troops. Armed guard from U. S. S. Guam on board Iping returned fire in both cases. Iping’s Chinese quartermaster seriously wounded in last attack and Leon Bradley, seaman first class, of armed guard wounded in the foot. Since fire was directed solely at bridge it is evident effort was being made to stop vessel for search for Communists who have been active recently above the point of attack.

Repeated to the Department.”

Lockhart