125.8571/5–2649: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State

1840. Consulate offices have been repeatedly hit during afternoon by rifle and machine gun fire. All but two possible cases are clearly from Nationalist side. Majority of cases appear accidental if utterly irresponsible, but in several instances it can only be deliberate, despite American flags on pole and both entrances.

Building is barricaded and of course no military activity permitted within it. This morning we asked Canton to have instructions issued to Nationals to respect building. Fortunately no American yet injured though several very very narrow escapes as rooms and stairwell repeatedly hit.

Only man so far injured within the building my house boy as already reported. If Department washes it can quote me to press as saying Nationals have wantonly fired on American flag; that is the simple fact.

Sent Department 1840, repeated Nanking 1009, OffEmb Canton 552.

Cabot