393.1111 Nelson, Bert N./132: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
Washington, November 28, 1931—12
p.m.
442. Your No. 1005, November 25, 9 p.m. In a case of this sort the Department believes that the Legation and the Consul General at Hankow are in a better position than is the Department to decide with regard to certain practical aspects of the situation. However, the Department offers for consideration and possible assistance the following suggestions:
- (1)
- The Department does not feel that the Consul General should address any communication to the bandit chief. However, a letter somewhat briefer than that suggested by the Consul General and along the same line might be addressed to Dr. Skinsnes who might in his discretion see that the letter or its substance is brought to the attention of the bandit chief. At the same time the Department cautions against any action that may lead the bandits to consider that the life and safety of Nelson are not of concern to the American Government.
- (2)
- The Department believes that the Minister should at the earliest opportunity present in person to the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs a formal note quoting the bandit chief’s open letter and telegram and urging strongly that immediate and effective steps be taken to effect the release of Nelson. At the same time the Minister might orally call attention to the fact that a means of obtaining the immediate release of Nelson has been proposed by his captors, failing which they threaten extreme measures of revenge upon the person of Nelson.
Stimson