123 Stokes, William N.: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—5:57 a. m.]
2106. In better connection 1430 Ward reported yesterday’s trial, which must have been final hearing because sentences were passed although trial unheard-of before, was of 10 persons of whom 9 in court, 1 dead. Accused were Chinese and Japanese or Koreans, all unknown Americans but presumed persons connected with June charges. Sentences presumed passed on them unknown by Stokes whose translator only gave him part affecting consular personnel.
No date given Stokes for deportation action, either re Ward et al. or re personnel affected new action.
Ward remarked trial ending 21st “brings into critical focus” events past year and yesterday’s trial makes all clear.
Court judgment Ward trial published locally today, in process translation, will be forwarded soonest.
[Page 1024]Re Deptel 836, November 26, in view information obtained today am holding up action. Recommend also waiting on receipt fuller reports yesterday’s trial before either embarking on new move or giving further interpretive comment to press. Present significance of move appears to be, as indicated by Ward, Communists’ search for “reason” to justify “expulsion” consular personnel.
Sent Department, Nanking 1183, Shanghai 1227, AmPolAd Tokyo (Department pass all addressees).