793.94/6183: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
Tientsin, April 17, 1933—10
a.m.
[Received April 17—2:50 a.m.]
[Received April 17—2:50 a.m.]
- 1.
- Chinese have evacuated Chinwantao and Changli and practically all Chinese forces that area have withdrawn to Lwanchow. Detachment of 50 Manchukuo troops in control at Chinwangtao. Heavy bombing by Japanese air forces Saturday95 at various places north of Luan River especially at Haiyang which has been evacuated by Chinese. Chinwangtao and Changli quiet with local self governments established. Rail traffic beyond Lwanchow suspended.
- 2.
- Letter dated April 13 received from Kautto stating that on 12th Japanese planes visited Taitowying and dropped 8 bombs killing 4 and injuring 3, all civilians, and that on April 13 place was again raided 50 or 60 bombs being dropped more than 20 people killed and many injured. Kautto reports that 3 of the killed were standing “on the outer side of our doorway when a bomb struck in the street about 30 feet in front of them”. Another bomb struck about 30 feet from Kautto’s servants’ quarters. Wooden blinds on one mission building were damaged, holes were made in compound door, walls scarred by shrapnel fragments and nearly half of window panes in mission buildings shattered. During the bombings American flag 5 feet by 9½ feet was flying from flag staff in compound. Flag was hit by shrapnel in 5 places. Japanese officer gave Kautto proclamation forbidding anyone to enter or occupy mission property. All Chinese troops evacuated Taitow night of April 12.
Unless otherwise instructed I shall make no local representations.
Lockhart
- April 15.↩