102.22/7–2949: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 29—5:22 a. m.]
2965. Ex-Navy employees besieging building now demanding 3 months’ pay plus 3 months’ separation notice plus 2 weeks’ pay in lieu notice. Unless demands agreed today will bring 600 laborers tomorrow and all families next day, prepared stay “until carried out in coffins”. Large banners raised on Glenline Building reading “American imperialists fail keep their own regulations try starve people”. Commander “Slayton28 and assistant forcibly turned back when tried leave building 3:40 p. m.
Estimate 100 Chinese and Sikhs now inside, many more outside. Thirteen male Americans and approximately 35 local employees trapped. I shall continue refuse negotiate under duress.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 1657, OffEmb Canton 929, Peiping 229.
- Cmdr. Morgan Slayton, Assistant Naval Attaché in China.↩