123 Olive, William M.: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 8—9:58 a. m.]
2658. Chinese reporter for UP was told by guard at Wayside police station this morning that Olive was injured three places on left side in course of fight evening July 6 with police officers. According to this source, Olive’s original offense was that his car, along with several others, obstructed line of march Communist parade. Olive was only offender singled out and taken to police station. Report continues [that] Olive objected strongly to this discrimination. He was overruled and sentenced to 24 hours in jail on spot. He protested vigorously and insisted he be permitted pay fine in lieu jail sentence. Again overruled and was being taken away when he apparently overturned desk or table he was trying to hold to. Fight then started with Section Chief. Several policemen came to assistance Section Chief and administered severe beating. Guard added Olive held absolutely incommunicado, not even Chinese unconnected police station can see him. Guard asserts police made persistent efforts July 7 to induce Olive sign complete apology which he steadfastly refused to do, thus compounding offense in Communist view.
Foregoing report, of course, cannot be taken as unimpeachable but probably worthy some credence.
Repeated Nanking 1478, Peiping 196.