493.11 Ekvall, Henry/65: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—6:20 a.m.]
1275. Legation’s 1268, November 22, noon.96 Following from Stanton:
“November 26, 4 p.m. Communication dated November 26th [25th] from Provincial Government and being mailed transmits questions and answers recorded during interrogation of Liu who confessed to the crime. Substance is that Liu’s quartermaster Chen Te-lu told him that he had heard, from what source is not known, that foreigners carrying valuables would soon come to Sian and proposed robbing them. Liu acquiesced and told Chen to take a few soldiers and watch the road. The second day Chen reported stopping a foreigner near Sanchiao but letting him go. The third day about noon he reported they had the right party and had put men and car in separate houses [Page 551] near Tumen. He also handed over $2,200. Liu claims he knows nothing about gold dust but suspects Chen of concealing some valuables. Same day about 8 p.m. Liu with some soldiers went to Tumen and told Chen to bring out captives of whom he says there were four, two foreigners and two Chinese. Fearing discovery he ordered that they be taken 2 or 3 li northeast of Tumen and shot and all bodies thrown in river. He did not go. Chen returned before daylight and reported bodies of foreigners had been thrown in the river and those of the Chinese in a well. This angered Liu but it was almost daylight so he told Chen to drive away the car and hide it. Chen never returned. Liu being worried about the bodies in the well gave seven of the soldiers who participated in the crime $30 each and told them to throw the bodies to [into] the river. The country people began to talk so Liu deserted with 29 men. He gave out names of four soldiers but does not know their or Chen’s whereabouts. Liu will probably be executed. Authorities promise reply shortly to demands of American Government.
Red menace very serious, sanguinary fighting having taken place less than 20 miles from the city. Since Reds are spreading west through the country I suggested that missionaries, majority of whom are Scandinavian, be brought to Sian. Authorities have brought in some and made arrangements to protect others and have also issued instructions to all magistrates. Chen Tzu-chien has been very active in making these arrangements. Four divisions Central Government troops now in province following Reds. Sian panic stricken but believed safe.”
Stanton and Soule are being instructed as follows:
“November 27, noon. Your November 26, 4 p.m.
- [1.]
- Legation is confident that you are making emphatic demands that Quartermaster Chen Te-lu and other murderers be apprehended; that Liu be brought to Sian (unless present conditions make this impossible) for further questioning prior to execution thus insuring punishment of the officer named and not some substitute and at the same time affording you opportunity through special Chinese investigators to follow up clues as to complicity of chauffeur Chen Wei-ching, of those through whose hands motorcar passed, et cetera.
- 2.
- Should conditions in Sian area change for the worse and threaten safety of foreigners in that city it is desired that you gentlemen temporarily withdraw to a place of safety.”
- Not printed.↩