793.94/10013: Telegram
The Consul at Swatow (Ketcham) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 10—2:09 p.m.]
Referring to my telegrams September 6, 8 and 9,17 describing shelling and bombing of Swatow and subsequent meeting of the Consular Corps, I feel that bombardment of city which contains nothing of military importance excepting for a few machine gun [Page 319] emplacements, constitutes a grave danger to American and other foreign lives and property to say nothing of Chinese civilian population which latter has already suffered considerable casualties. Japanese attacks were without warning and Mayor’s office and police headquarters both purely civilian organizations situated in center of city were deliberately singled out for air bombing attacks and both were struck. American and foreign homes and business interests are scattered throughout the city particularly near the water front and any bombarding or shelling seriously endangers them. Standard Oil Company as reported in my telegram September 9 [8], 5 [3] p.m.18 received bomb and shell fragments in attack of September 8th and a devastating fire could easily have occurred. Two bombs struck within 2 or 3 hundred yards of Company’s property. In view of the foregoing it is respectfully suggested that Department and Embassy may consider it desirable to protest against continued bombardment Swatow.