393.1111 Baker, Charles/26: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Adams) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19—9:05 a.m.]
33. My No. 32, February 18, 5 p.m. Admiral Williams today obtained the promise of the senior Chinese naval officer at Hankow to send a Chinese naval vessel to Pailochi to endeavor by interviewing the communist bandits there to obtain the release of Captain Baker. The Chinese naval vessel will not attempt the threat of force. I have also placed before General Ho Chen-chun the suggestion that the Chinese Navy make an effort to obtain Baker’s release. While General Ho has no authority over the Navy, he will give me his answer to my suggestion within the next day or two. I do not consider his answer important since the Chinese naval force here has already indicated what it will attempt.