793.04/13169: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 8—6:45 a.m.]
Japanese air raids on Canton proper continued June 5th and 6th resulting in further great loss of life, and injury to civilians and damage to property. French hospital on bund partly destroyed by two bombs on 6th. Several buildings and market demolished in rear electric light plant but latter not hit. Bomb landing on bund in front of French hospital and Y. M. C. A. killed many persons on bund and in sampans. Tung warehouses bombed both days, several primary and middle schools struck, and many pupils killed and injured.
Canton–Hankow station again bombed with slight damage to terminal buildings but none to railway.
Canton–Kowloon Railway attacked both days but damage negligible.
I would re-emphasize that whatever the objectives Japanese claim to be aiming at the only result of bombings during past week has been killing and wounding of civilians and destruction of private property.
The Chairman Canton Red Cross has written asking me to report that on May 28th after Japanese had bombed Saikui area the planes suddenly returned and machine gunned and bombed Red Cross workers and firemen who were attempting to succor those wounded in first raid. Many firemen and Red Cross workers were killed and wounded.
I have advised Baptist mission to leave Tungshan.
Registered Americans of white race in Canton area now number 117 residing as follows: Canton proper 19, Fongchuen 3, Honan 6, Lingnan 37, Pakhoktung 18, Tungshan 11, Shameen 23. In addition about 15 temporarily in hotels in Canton and Shameen.