793.94/11914: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Sokobin) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 31—4 a.m.]
Very considerable damage was done to Japanese property during the night by terrific explosions. The dry dock locks and small arsenal nearby are reported destroyed. The electric substations [and?] the large Japanese brewery were also destroyed.
Up to date not a single piece of American property has been damaged in any way.
It is reported from a reliable source that the Mayor of Tsingtao has already left and actually the municipal administration with the exception of the police appears to have vanished. There is also reason to believe that more destruction will be done to Japanese property today and it is even reported that imposing Tsingtao Municipal Administration Building will be destroyed. This morning a Japanese airplane again visited Tsingtao for observation purposes only.
The chief cause for some anxiety on the part of Americans and Occidentals generally is the threat of destruction to the water works. Otherwise I am gratified to report Americans are displaying admirable coolness.
Sent to Peiping, Hankow.