893.00/12641: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 15—8:30 a.m.]
37. Vice Consul at Foochow reports January 14, 4 p.m. that the Senior Consul has sent a message to the Doyen of diplomatic body as follows:
“Nineteenth Route Army has for last 2 days been retreating in orderly fashion toward south, but Nanking planes are now bombing line of retreat from Nantai Island to mainland and troops are returning to city, which will cause serious situation here.
[Page 464]Please make urgent representations to Nanking Government to cease bombardment.”
He further states that Admiral Chen Shao-kwan and Admiral Chen Chi-liang has arrived at Pagoda Anchorage; that their marines have so far been prevented from taking over Foochow; and that all rebel leaders reported to have left Foochow.
Vice Consul also reports January 15, 9 a.m. that the British landed armed guard of 40 men on the 14th and that the U. S. S. Tulsa landed 20 armed marines the morning of the 15th.