393.1111 M Nielsen, Niels/16: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 16—5:55 a.m.]
440. Legation’s 421, May 11, 2 p.m.31 Following from American Consul General at Mukden:
“May 15, 6 p.m. Amplifying Hall’s brief report it is reported from the local Japanese that operations are being carried out by Japanese and Manchukuo uniting for effecting Nielsen’s release but that difficult nature of the terrain precludes predictions regarding immediate results.
Hall telegraphed that letter received yesterday from bandits increases ransom because previous demands were ignored and that local authorities consider that his continued presence there encourages bandits to increase their demands. As it is felt that there is nothing to be gained by his remaining arrangements are being made for his return by first available plane.”
- Not printed.↩