123 Ward, Angus I.: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26—1:42 p. m.]
1827. Mukden Hsin Hua radio Chinese-language broadcast October 25 carried two following news items:
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Shenyang11 despatch. On October 11 there occurred Shenyang incident in which Ward, American national and formerly American Consul General [at] Shenyang during bandit Chiang12 occupation period, directed mob in beating up worker and caused serious injuries to latter.
[Page 985]Ward had withheld wages Chi Yu-heng13 and also discharged him without reason. On October 11, Chi Yu-heng went to Ward’s office to demand wages due him. Ward not only refused to give wages to him but threw him off on shameless grounds that that place was “an American place” and dismissed worker was “without right to stay there”. When Chi attempted to argue with him reasonably, Ward, acting in his imperialistic and barbarous manner, violently beat and insulted Chi Yu-heng and also incited four ex-Consulate employees, German named Kristan, Japanese-American Shiro Tatsumi, Italian Cicogna and American Rehberg, to take Chi into custody and put him in building where he was beaten with fists and feet by group. Chi Yu-feng, younger brother of Chi Yu-heng, who went to rescue was also beaten. After incident, the body of Chinese staff members and workers promptly reported case to People’s Government. When people sent by Bureau of Public Security and People’s Court of Shenyang People’s Government arrived at scene to mediate, laborer Chi Yu-heng had already been seriously injured and was lying at foot of staircase leading to Ward’s office. Examination revealed that laborer Chi Yu-heng had sustained concussion of the brain in addition to wound caused by instrument in right side of head and was unconscious. He had lost control of urination and his life was in danger. He was immediately afterwards sent to hospital for medical treatment.
The 35 Chinese staff members and workers of that place have already lodged stern written charge against violent act of Ward in beating Chinese worker by marshalling mob. For purpose upholding law of Chinese People’s Republic and safeguarding human rights, Shenyang People’s Government and public security organizations will immediately take action to investigate case according law.
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Mukden despatch. Northeast Daily today published Shovo commentary on incident in which American citizen Ward withheld wages of worker and gathered mob to beat him, thus inflicting serious injuries on him.
Commentary states, “We Chinese people sternly protest against this violent act and will back up People’s Government in meting out to criminals headed by Ward legal sanctions due them. Since Chinese people have strength to rid themselves of domination imposed on China by imperialism, so also they have strength to punish imperialist elements who dare to act barbarously and tyrannically within China’s boundaries”.
Comment further pointed out “violent act of Ward and American special [service] case unearthed short time ago in Shenyang14 have given us profoundly to understand that American imperialism has determined the enemy of Chinese people and would to end never take defeat willingly, but will create troubles by every conceivable means, do utmost to effect sabotages and open provocations. All kinds of mean and shameless measures might be used. We must increase our vigilance in face of their malicious and shameless plots and must promptly shatter them (plots).”
Sent Department; repeated Shanghai 1097.