811.22/12–2946: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Myers) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 29—11:15 a.m.]
330. On December 26 five local vernacular papers gave prominence to alleged rape on Christmas eve of Chinese girl student by two American marines on open parade ground adjacent to diplomatic quarter. Story as carried stated two marines grabbed girl as she was walking home unaccompanied from late movie showing, dragged her to parade ground and violated her several times before her screams were overheard by passers-by who summoned police. Sino-American police liaison office reportedly sent staff to investigate and joint medical examination of girl was conducted. One marine reportedly escaped.
Following day additional stories of incident carried by 8 Chinese newspapers, one paper devoting editorial space to castigating activities of American armed forces in China. Pei Fang Jih Pao stated students of Peita University2 enraged over outrageous conduct of marines and had filed following 4 demands with American authorities: (1) American authorities should be responsible for “near-animal” conduct of marines; (2) guilty parties should be punished and guarantee given against recurrence similar incidents; (3) formal apology and cash compensation should be made to victim; and (4) American forces should be immediately withdrawn to prevent similar happenings in future.
Peiping Chronicle December 29 stated municipal government had sent memorandum of protest to US Marine Headquarters containing demands (1) through (3) above and requesting permission to send observers to court martial of two accused marines. Bureau of Police statement paralleled stories carried in Chinese papers but urged [Page 2] public to be patient until full facts, now under investigation, made public.
Official marine statement, also published today, stated marine authorities continuing investigation in close cooperation with Peiping police and that all efforts being exerted to bring together sufficient information necessary for immediate action. Statement added that two marines allegedly involved being held, but pointed out time required to complete collection of sufficient evidence to insure justice.
Additional details follow. Repeated Nanking as 267.
- Peking National University.↩