893.00/12166: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—4:30 a.m.]
1150. Following from American Consul at Chefoo:
“September 28, 3 p.m. Long distance telephone to me from our missionaries Tengchow confirms the report situation quiet there and Hwanghsien. Han’s forces are expected to arrive Tengchow this evening.
In view of the fact our mission properties and missionaries both places are outside walled city I suggest Han Fu-chu be requested to [Page 532] take necessary steps to insure full protection now before bands of deserters and stragglers now infesting areas in both places. It is impossible for me to get in touch with Liu. Our nationals decline withdraw from Tengchow, Hwanghsien.
Confirmed tales of outrages and looting and sacking in the district between Hwanghsien and Tsihsia especially around Tengchow and Fushan are being received hourly.”
Legation is requesting protection through Consul at Tsinanfu.