893.00/7–3046: Telegram

The Consul General at Tientsin (Myers) to the Secretary of State

192. Yesterday Marine patrol of 55 men in 11 vehicles en route to Peiping was ambushed about 50 miles northwest of Tientsin by unidentified force of 300 men equipped with automatic weapons and mortars. Marine officer commanding patrol and 2 enlisted men killed and 11 wounded, 6 critically. Chinese casualties unknown. Commander 11th War Zone has promised full cooperation and vigorous precautionary measures in area where ambush occurred. Marine press release expected shortly. Stories already sent by press correspondents substantially correct.

Sent to Nanking as 106, repeated to Dept. as 192 and to Peiping.

Myers