893.00/1–1549: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 15—2:16 a. m.]
68. With Communist occupation Tientsin rapidly being completed, question of possible National air bombing of Tientsin is seriously disturbing Americans and other foreign nationals as well as Chinese civilians in Tientsin. Such air bombing of this city would at this juncture serve no military purpose and could only be considered as inhuman act of a vindictive loser. Tientsin has suffered grievously during past few days and for humanitarian reasons it is earnestly [Page 50] hoped that National authorities will refrain, or be persuaded to refrain, from adding unnecessary sorrow to already sorely tried city.
Repeated to Nanking.