893.00/8089: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
Peking, January 20,
1927—6 p.m.
[Received January 20—6:10 p.m.]
[Received January 20—6:10 p.m.]
56. My 47, January 18, 5 p.m.
- 1.
- Following from Foochow:
“January 19, 8 p.m.
- (1)
- Your January 18, 7 p.m. Three men, thirty-two women, twenty-eight children left here this afternoon to Manila on board Pillsbury, my family included. About the same number have gone to Shanghai, Hongkong and other places by steamer. American citizens from interior points are starting for Foochow. By reason of distances from the port it will probably take two weeks for all to arrive and to be evacuated but the large majority of the women and children should be out within a period of one week.
- (2)
- While I have just received a communication from the Provincial Administrative Board promising protection of life and property, I have received no direct assurances from Commander in Chief Ho.97 This fact and other circumstances lead me to believe Ho may not be in complete control either of the policies or of the military forces which it is suspected are being directed by radical Left Wing dominated by a Russian adviser. While this element apparently has thus far largely failed to arouse popular antiforeign or even anti-Christian feeling, the general opinion is that it is determined upon proceeding with the plan mentioned in my telegram January 18, 3 a.m.98”
- 2.
- I am telegraphing Governor General, Manila, soliciting his assistance for Americans on Pillsbury who although not destitute will much appreciate assistance in obtaining temporary accommodations.
- 3.
- In view of the likelihood in the immediate future of many Americans in China being in need of assistance, it is suggested this matter be brought to the attention of American Red Cross with a view to funds being made available at Manila, Shanghai and Hongkong.
Mayer