861.77 Chinese Eastern/328: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 14—12:10 p.m.]
825. My 772, August 31, 1 p.m. Following from American Consul at Harbin:
“September 12, 11 a.m. Vice Consul Lilliestrom visited concentration camp for student civilian prisoners September 10th, total prisoners 1170, 70 women and 13 children under five years. Prisoners crowded in dark, damp quarters, sanitary conditions bad, food sufficient but of poor quality, drinking water from the river, stomach trouble prevalent and epidemic feared, medical attention and exercise facilities inadequate. Communication with relatives provided for, no discretion allowed, only occasional complaints of intentional maltreatment by Chinese who promise improvement sanitary conditions but are very dilatory.”