793.94/14218: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 27—12:25 p.m.]
20. Fires are still burning in various sections of Canton particularly in the area around Silk Street and Blackwood Street, back of the [Page 342] French hospital, Y. M. C. A. and in several places on Honam Island.
The Japanese have very few soldiers in Canton as yet, probably only one regiment and are making little attempt to patrol whole city and practically no attempt to put out fires or stop looting. Last night they took over from British and French naval units the Shakee Bund district and are today patrolling that. Observers report looting in that area greatly increased since Japanese took charge. Americans in Tungshan report that Japanese soldiers with Chinese coolies to carry burdens are systematically breaking into houses in that part of the city and carrying off loot in carts and motor trucks.
It is reported that there are many cases of rape by Japanese soldiers in the villages south of Canton and many women and girls are fleeing from those villages.
A few Chinese have been shot by Japanese soldiers for refusing to carry burdens and for not coming to shore in their boats when signalled.
The Japanese have sent a notice to Shameen that no cameras will be allowed to be used in the city after tomorrow morning and that foreigners should not go into the city before 7 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Repeated to Chungking, Peiping, Hong Kong.