393.1111 Baker, Charles/66: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 8:34 p.m.]
Since my April 15, 11 a.m., I have learned that on April 8 Hoyt’s assistant received from Baker the following signed letter dated March 27 copy of which Hoyt mailed to the American Consul General at Hankow and gave to the press but did not make available to me or the Consulate General here:
“I am instructed to write to you again, and I understand this will be the last time I can write. The Soviet are very impatient and cannot wait.
I was informed on the 15th of this month that they had heard from you again and that you had made them an offer of something less than the $40,000. I wrote an answer stating that they would accept nothing less—have waited ever since but as you wrote nothing to me I think there was some mistake about it. This letter will be brought to Ichang by my companion here, Mr. Chwang; he was one of the compradore’s staff on the lighter and has been acting as interpreter for me. There is not much I can say, Mr. Case, only what I have said before. They guarantee my release on the payment of $40,000. I am also made to understand very plainly that if the $40,000 is not forthcoming I am to die.
Now, Mr. Case, I do not want to die so in the name of God try and raise that money and let me out of here. I must ask you to act as quickly as you can in this matter as before stated they are very impatient and will not wait. Mr. Chwang will be expected back here in 10 days. Please act as quickly as you can and write me fully just what can be done.
It is needless to say anything about myself, only that I am weak, tired and nervous so I will close thanking you for everything.”