393.1111 Baker, Charles/38: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Adams) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 21—5:30 a.m.]
44. My No. 43, March 17, 4 p.m. Admiral Williams informs me that he and the Chinese senior naval officer at Hankow believe that [Page 483] the taking of hostages at Pailochi is not a practical means of effecting the release of Charles Baker. I differ from Admiral Williams and the Chinese naval officer on this point, but realize that the least bungling or failure of an undertaking to procure the right hostages at Pailochi would probably result in the death of Baker.
It occurs to me that an offer of American participation in any Chinese naval action requested might serve to strengthen any representations made to the Chinese Government for the purchase by it of Baker’s release. Admiral Williams is of the opinion, however, that an offer of American participation in efforts to procure hostages at Pailochi would not be authorized by the American Government.
Minister informed through American Consul General at Shanghai.