893.00/7596: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1—5:51 a.m.]
362. My 357, August 27, 3 p.m.
1. Following from American consul general, Hankoitem:
“August 31, 10 a.m. Wu Pei-fu has suffered serious setback at the hands of the Southerners and has fallen back early this morning. Southern troops now very near Wuchang. Admiral Hough20 returning today via commercial transport. Isabel in Shanghai for overhauling; Polos and Portage [Pigeon?] now here. Suggest that destroyers be sent here at once as a precautionary measure since there is some danger of looting from the retreating forces. Local American community requests this measure of security.
2. I concur in suggestion regarding despatch of destroyers to Hankow and have so informed commander in chief, United States Asiatic Fleet, repeating to him Lockhart’s telegram aforementioned.
- Rear Admiral Henry H. Hough, U. S. N., commander of the Yangtze Patrol.↩