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The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Nanking to the Chinese Legation31
The Japanese warships at Shiakwen, Nanking, on February 1, at 11 o’clock p.m., suddenly bombarded Nanking without warning. Eight shots were fired and by the use of searchlights, they made several hits on the Lion Hill Forts, Shiakwen Railway Station, Pei-Chi-Ko, Tsin-Lian-Shan, and Mo-Fu-Shan. In the meantime, machine guns and rifles were also brought to action by the Japanese. This was continued until after midnight, when firing ceased. Desirous to avoid collision, the Chinese troops refrained from returning fire.
[Page 179]At this juncture when the Chinese nationals are in high indignation against the Shanghai ruthless attacks perpetrated by the Japanese, in defiance of the decision of the League of Nations, the Nine Power Treaty, and the Kellogg Pact, the Japanese, to aggravate the situation, again bombarded the Chinese National capital without any provocation.
The Chinese National Government has made to the Japanese a solemn protest and reserved all rights for appropriate demands in future.
- Copy of telegram transmitted to the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs by the Chinese Chargé under covering letter dated February 2.↩