793.94/11921: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in China (Allison) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 31—5:20 p.m.]
Arrived at Nanking 2:30 p.m. today, waterfront a shambles and [distant?] rifle fire heard while small fires were visible at various points in city.
In company with Captain of Oahu I [called on?] Commander of H. M. S. Bee, who had just returned from his first interview with the Japanese military authorities which took place on a Japanese naval vessel. [Informed?] by the British officer that no foreigners had been allowed to land at Nanking and that according to the representative of the Japanese Military Commander none would be allowed to land before January 5. Reason given is that “mopping up” operations are still in progress and that it is unsafe. British are making no attempt to land before January 6. A British [diplomatic?] official is expected to arrive at Nanking on H. M. S. Cricket January 5.
Oahu expects to leave early on morning of the 1st of January for Hoshien and Wuhu.
Sent to Hankow. Repeated to Department and Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Tokyo.