393.1163 Free Methodist/38: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 20—7:30 a.m.]
549. Peiping’s 538, October 11, 5 p.m., and the Department’s 230, October 13, 6 p.m. Miss Peterson of the Free Methodist Mission has reported orally to the Embassy that her station in Chenliu has on two occasions been attacked by mobs apparently instigated by one Sakaguchi, the head of the military police in that city. On September 13 a mob attacked the mission, broke some 180 panes of glass and tore down a sign board bearing the design of an American flag as well as a consular certificate of American ownership. This attack was made on the pretext that the mission at that time housed a British missionary. On September 29 the mission was again invaded by a mob immediately after the departure of Miss Peterson for Kaifeng. Anti-foreign including anti-American posters were pasted in the church and elsewhere in the city some of which read as follows: “Down with the foreign devils.” “All Chinese having connection with foreigners must leave town at once under penalty of death.” “One hundred dollars reward for the death of a foreigner.” “Peace and prosperity cannot return to China until the foreign devils have been evicted.” “Down with America.” All Chinese associated with the mission have been driven from Chenliu and Miss Peterson feels it inadvisable to return to her station.
Written and oral representations are being made to Japanese Embassy today. Embassy is requesting appropriate disciplinary action against Sakaguchi and against the person desecrating the American flag as well as appropriate amends for such desecration. Reservation of rights is being made.
Repeated to Hankow, by airmail to Tokyo.