493.11 Ekvall, Henry/48: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
361. Your 1229, November 3, 1 p.m.,89 and previous, in regard to the Ekvall case.
Department considers that the greatest possible emphasis should be placed upon a demand for an immediate and thorough investigation, the arrest and punishment of the murderers and the recovery of the bodies of the victims, but in addition the Chinese authorities should be informed simultaneously of additional demands as follows: (1) compensation in full for such American property losses as may have been suffered; (2) an exemplary indemnity of not less than 25,000 gold dollars; (3) disciplinary action against officers found to have been obstructing justice; (4) an apology; and (5) assurances of protection of American citizens and property in the future. If the Chinese authorities should offer to pay immediately compensation for American property losses suffered, the Department suggests acceptance thereof provided that it is made clear that the American Government must insist upon compliance with all demands.
If you have not already done so, you should convey to the Chinese authorities an expression of this Government’s horror at this barbarous crime apparently committed by representatives of the authorities charged with the protection of life and property and an expression of the confidence of this Government that the Government of China fully realizes the gravity of this case and will exert all its power to punish all of those in any way connected with the crime or with the protection of the criminals with a view to deterring the commission of similar crimes and to insuring the future protection of the life and property of American citizens in China.
- Not printed.↩