861.77/3669: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Bell) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 10—10:14 a.m.]
382. 1. Referring to telegrams to the Department from Hanson, Harbin. Consular body asked diplomatic body to take some action in respect of situation at Harbin created by arrest of Ostroumoff, Gondatti, Mikhailoff and others, consular body stating local foreigners seriously alarmed and fearing extension of arbitrary acts for the treaty-power nationals.
2. Diplomatic body meeting today decided they could take no action as such in matter of arrest of Ostroumoff and others, Harbin consular body being so informed by telegraph.
3. Japanese, British and French representatives here have all informally interceded with Chang on behalf of arrested men on ground of humanity and justice asking that they be admitted to bail or brought to speedy trial but with no success thus far. I have telegraphed American consul Mukden to associate him [self] in these informal representations. Hanson informed.