393.11/1420: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 9—6:55 a.m.]
214. Reference Shanghai’s February 8, 2 p.m., concerning appeal of American Catholic mission at Kanchow, Kiangsi, for protection.
[Page 475]Legation has telegraphically instructed Peck to deliver the following message to the Minister for Foreign Affairs:
“I have the honor to inform Your Excellency, have [that it is?] telegraphically reported that Kanchow is surrounded by a communist army and [I?] suspect urgent assistance is not [now?] needed. I am informed that there are 11 American missionaries in and around Kanchow at the present time, and have the honor to request that Your Excellency will take immediate steps for the effective protection of these American citizens.”
American Consuls General at Hankow and Canton also instructed to make urgent representations looking to protection of Americans in and around Kanchow.