493.11/2096: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

97. Following from Hong Kong.

“February 2, 2 p.m. Numerous refugees desire to make claim for personal losses sustained in China. Please advise as to form in which claim should be made; also whether any fee should be collected.”

In view of lack of any details which might suggest some method of settling these claims informally as is contemplated at Nanking, I see no alternative to the use of the prescribed form of “application for the support of claims against foreign governments” but I would appreciate the Department’s comments.

Johnson