393.1163P92/103: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Lochhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 30—12:20 p.m.]
733. Hankow’s May 27, 4 p.m.32 This office has just received the following message dated May 26 from Haichow:
“American Presbyterian Chapel only a few feet from American Presbyterian Hospital and American Presbyterian Women’s Bible [Page 335] School, in same yard with our residence, were bombed on May 24 by Japanese planes causing great damage; residences only very slightly damaged. Chapel and school greatly damaged, in addition our chapel inside the city and at Shaho were bombed and greatly damaged. American flags were prominently displayed at each building. Our residential property is in well-defined area outside the Haichow west gate. Women’s Bible School, girls’ school and three of our residences are in a large block of property well segregated from other property, not near Chinese property. West gate chapel and hospital compound are also clearly defined and easily distinguishable. Difficult to mistake either of our large compounds. No soldiers occupying any of our property here. Please take steps to prevent further damage to our property and to preclude danger to life. Immediate heavy indemnity would help. Please notify Miss Annie Wilson, Shanghai; our daughter in Korea, and our daughter in America that both of us are safe and unhurt. McLauchlin.”
A second message states that the mission was again bombed on May 28, one bomb landing less than 35 yards from McLauchlin’s residence, however they were unharmed. McLauchlin requests measures be taken for bombing to be ceased.33
This office notifying Miss Wilson and daughter in Korea. Department please notify daughter in America.
Repeated to Hankow, Peiping, and Tokyo.