Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume IV

393.1111 Baker, Charles/71: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State

Shanghai, April 17, 1932—11 p.m.
[Received April 18—3 a.m.]

Your 144, April 16, 7 p.m. The following has just been received from Hankow:

“April 16, 2 p.m. My April 16, noon.³⁷

1. I earnestly hope that there will be no publicity given matters mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 7 of your April 15, 11 a.m. ‘Such publicity at this time would be disastrous.

2. Sir John Hope Simpson and Andrew arrived this morning and have just called on me for detailed discussion of plans for Baker’s release. Andrew will have charge of the negotiations and will offer to Baker’s captors additional dike reconstruction worth up to a limit of 500 tons of wheat for Baker’s release. The Communists are hungry and the plan offers some hope of success because of the splendid qualifications of Andrew. This chance for success depends a good deal on our avoiding any misstep. I believe our wisest course now is to be quiet and watch developments.”

Johnson

37. Not printed.