793.94/14170: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 25—6 a.m.]
16. The transfer of refugees from Baptist Hospital, Tungshan, to Lingnan was carried out yesterday. The fires are still burning and last night buildings on Shakee Bund at the west end of the British Concession were destroyed. Undoubtedly new fires are being started as others die down and a British naval force is now attempting to clear all Chinese out of the buildings on Shakee Bund which have not yet been destroyed.
Another refuge is being started under control of the Salvation Army in the old Pui Ying School at Fati. This is American property. It is expected to have nearly 1,000 refugees in a few days.
I have today sent a letter to the Japanese colonel in charge of the forces in Canton asking him to discuss with me the questions of the safety of Pakhoktung refugee camp, the setting up of a limited telephone service and other matters. The Telephone Administration is and has been for some time under the management of the China Electric Company, Limited, an American Corporation, and Mr. Rhame, an American citizen, is in charge here.
Looting continues and much loot is being carried out of the city on sampans by people coming in from outside villages.
Repeated to Chungking, Peiping, and Hong Kong.