893.00 Nanking/219: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 26—3:45 p.m.]
Following received from Paxton who is at Chinkiang:
“September 24, 6 p.m. Today is the semiannual anniversary of the Nanking outrage. It has been reported that the few remaining volumes [Page 229] of consular bound correspondence are being hawked about the streets at Nanking. So far as known, except for the two Standard Oil Company installations at Wuhu and Chinkiang, Ginling College and the Christian Mission girls’ school, all American-owned property continues to be occupied. The missionaries are beginning to return, without informing this consulate, which, however, has learned of the presence of nine American women in the interior. The men are sure to follow.
Conditions having improved somewhat at Nanking, now permitting communications with the shore, it is respectfully requested that [I?] be instructed to return there by Standard Oil Company ship, after brief redound to Shanghai in connection with claims.
If I should return, the presence of an American warship at Nanking, while not essential for safety, would be counted on for communication.”
To which following reply has been sent:
“September 26, 4 p.m. Your September 26, 6 p.m. Legation approves your return to Nanking. You are not to go ashore unless so authorized by the Legation. I am inquiring of commander in chief regarding stationing of naval vessel at Nanking and shall communicate with you further in this respect.”