Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1933, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/6181: Telegram

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

Peiping, April 15, 1933—1 p.m.
[Received April 15—4:47 a.m.]

332. Following from American Consul General at Hankow:

“April 13, 4 p.m.

1. Pressure to prevent Chinese from dealing in Japanese goods is increasing at Hankow. Another Chinese was shot but not killed on April 11th for dealing in Japanese goods. Threatening letters received by Chinese residing in the Japanese Concession have caused a noticeable movement of Chinese from the Concession during the last few days. On April 10th three Chinese pilots of Japanese naval vessels on middle river were kidnapped at Hankow. These men have not, however, been injured.⁹⁴

2. Since April 10 there have been 12 Japanese naval vessels in port: 1 cruiser, 4 destroyers and 7 river gunboats.

3. Although feeling between the Chinese and Japanese at Hankow has become somewhat tense, I believe that neither the Chinese forces nor the Japanese authorities desire rioting or a military clash at Hankow at present.”

Johnson

94. On April 15, the Consul General at Hankow reported the release of the three Chinese pilots (793.94/6190).