793.94/14281: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 3—11:25 a.m.]
Following for Tokyo:
My 24, October 28, 9 a.m. British naval reports from Kiukiang indicate that foreigners on Kuling numbering about 125 persons, including 30 Americans, are in an ugly situation due principally to shortage of food among Chinese forces there who are said to number between 1,000 and 3,000. It is feared that soldiers may forcibly take supplies of food from foreigners with consequent disorder. Japanese have entirely surrounded mountains on which Kuling is situated but are making no move to occupy it, preferring apparently to let the situation develop. While total evacuation foreigners believed not practicable due to number invalids at Kuling, it is hoped certain number will leave if suitable arrangements can be made. To this end the assistance of the Embassy at Tokyo is requested to bring matter before Foreign Office and request that Japanese military authorities at Kiukiang be asked to render assistance to efforts of commanders [of] British and American naval vessels at Kiukiang to assist foreigners on Kuling. British Consul General here is also communicating with Tokyo.
Sent to Shanghai. Repeated to Chungking.