893.918/7–2749: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Peiping (Clubb)
499. Gould and Miner, Shanghai Post and Mercury, locked in office by laborers July 26–28 without food, water, sleep. ConGen’s attempts secure intervention Foreign Affairs Bureau met rebuff, FAB refusing accept representations. Siege lifted when men made commitments, obviously under duress.
Pls make every effort bring situation atten[tion] highest Commie auths, pointing out Shanghai auths refused protection, despite repeated requests therefor, against physical coercion and maltreatment of two men by virtual mob action; that this incident, rpting previous ones, raises serious question ability local auths effectively provide adequate protection fon natls.