893.00/1–247: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 2—7 p.m.]
14. Nanking University students staged demonstration parade this afternoon including a march to Embassy where letter in Chinese to me was presented to Minister-Counselor4 in my absence at 5:30 p.m.
Students began assembling about 2 o’clock in accordance with announced plans for demonstration and protest over alleged rape of Chinese student by two marines in Peiping. Parade numbered only 200 when it started out but included close to 1,500 when marchers called at National Govt. building to demand withdrawal of all United States forces from China.
Students then numbering 1,000 to 1,500 paraded to Embassy. Parade was orderly with students marching, singing and shouting slogans demanding all American forces withdraw from China and protesting rape of student. Marchers shook fists and shouted “get out” at few American servicemen they met on streets but no violence of any kind reported.
Arriving at Embassy marchers stood in street outside Embassy singing and shouting their slogans while student committee of five called on Ambassador. Butterworth explained Ambassador had [Page 5] awaited their coming all afternoon but had finally departed to attend most important conference. He accepted letter and then leader made oral statement demanding immediate withdrawal all American forces from China, complete investigation by Chinese civil authorities of all charges and incidents such as Peiping rape case and cessation of American aid to Govt such as munitions and other war matériel.
Butterworth then read following statement previously prepared with General Marshall:5
“A full investigation of the incident at Peiping is being made by the Marine authorities there. If the investigation indicates guilt, a court martial trial will be held as quickly as possible in accordance with normal American military practice. We are proceeding with this case just as fast as the demands of justice and a fair democratic trial will permit. We have had no further reports from Peiping and we are awaiting the full report of the investigation.”
The student leader then read the answer to the assembled students from the Embassy wall and they decided to postpone their call on General Marshall and the Chinese Foreign Office until the 3rd. Further parade is expected then but no disorders need be anticipated.
Letter to Ambassador contained following three demands:
Student leader demanded public reply by Ambassador.