893.102 Tientsin/531: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:25 p.m.]
280. My 278, November 25, 3 p.m. Two Americans today reported in writing that yesterday when they visited the International Bridge barrier regarding a delayed truck, although they remained on the Concession side of the barrier they were compelled in order to return to the French Concession to wait in line outside the entrance to the examination shed for nearly an hour; that although they were at the head of the line Chinese behind them were passed through ahead of them; that the sentry tried to force the line back and when those in front were physically unable to move back on account of the pressure from behind the sentry threw a basin of hot water on the two Americans and others at head of the line.
Immediately upon receipt of this report I made both written and oral representations to the Japanese Consul General, a subordinate officer of which expressed regret orally and proceeded to the barrier in company with a member of the staff of this Consulate General. Sentries interrogated by the commander of the barrier guard admitted only that a sentry engaged in washing had splashed some water on the crowd when it allegedly pressed toward the searching shed, which is in variance with the written and oral statements of the two Americans concerned. A written reply has been promised and I will telegraph further information later.48
Repeated to Peiping, Shanghai. Air mail to Tokyo.
- The Consul General reported on December 13 the receipt of expressions of regret from the Japanese Consul General and assurances that the utmost consideration would be given to Americans at the barriers (893.102 Tientsin/555).↩