393.1111 Baker, Charles/63: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received April 15—10:20 a.m.]
Your 140, April 13, 6 p.m.; and 141, April 14, 5 p.m., to Shanghai.32
[Page 491]1. Consulate had not furnished me copy of its 207, April 12, 9 a.m.33 but did give me a copy of letter in question identified as coming from Baker. Letter had been forwarded to Consulate with one from Lansing Hoyt, President of the Yangtze Rapid Steamship Co., stating that he knew the handwriting and adding:
“The money he refers to in the National City Bank was withdrawn by us under a letter from him which the bank accepted. The amount was Mexican dollars 3,679 which together with Mexican dollars 6,330 advanced by me personally made up the sum of Mexican dollars 10,000 which was paid over to the bandits last month.
We understand that the Hankow Consulate and the Legation are redoubling their efforts to obtain Baker’s release possibly through the payment of flood relief wheat by the Chinese authorities at Hankow to the bandits. If this is likely to be done perhaps Mexican dollars 10,000 already paid unsuccessfully could be recovered thereby reimbursing Captain Baker for his share of the amount.”
2. Pursuant to Department’s telegram No. 120, March 28, 5 p.m., I instructed Peck at Nanking on March 31 to “Call upon Soong and tell him on my behalf that we have exhausted all private and official channels open to us to obtain Baker’s release”. I requested him to say “that it is up to the Chinese Government to take prompt and effective action and while we do not desire to stipulate any particular course of action the payment by Chinese of ransom appears to offer the best means of obtaining Baker’s prompt and safe release. If the use of wheat or the securing of hostages appear to offer possibilities of success we shall expect the Chinese Government to adopt these means in an effort to save the life of an American citizen.”
3. On April 1st Peck informed me that he had presented matter to Soong on the preceding day and that Soong had promised to see what could be done to effect release. On April 2nd Soong informed me by phone here in Shanghai that he was sending T. G. [C.] Hsi, chief of the engineering and labor relief division of the National Flood Relief to see me before proceeding to Hankow. He informed me that Hsi had been given discretionary powers to utilize wheat distribution in effecting release of Baker. As I was attending Sino-Japanese conference I asked Engert to see Hsi arid give him all information in our possession which he did and Hsi left Shanghai by plane on April 2nd for Hankow via Nanking (see my telegram April 3[2?], 11 a.m.33).
4. In this connection Peck telegraphed Hankow April 2, 7 p.m., as follows: [Page 492]
“Hsi has just called on me and is leaving for Hankow on Flood Relief Commission steamer in company with Colonel Stroebe April 3, 10 a.m. They will inspect dykes along the way and expect to arrive in Hankow April 6 or 7. He has instructed one of his assistants to meet him before he reaches Hankow to give details regarding Baker’s capture and will call on you after arrival. In the meantime he may possibly telegraph you asking for information but he suggests that no other steps be taken in this connection until he issues instructions.”
5. In view of the above it has seemed wise to me to let matters rest until information as to the result of this effort can be received. I hesitate doing anything here that would give it publicity lest such publicity hamper action which I believe Soong is taking. It therefore seems to me that it would be unwise for me to proceed to Nanking at this moment saying that I was going there on the Baker case or to send extra personnel into the Hankow district where Adams and the Navy have sufficient personnel to assist if necessary. Soong is in Shanghai and I shall endeavor to keep in touch with him with a view to learning of progress. I am also asking Hankow for information.
6. On April 8 I received from Mrs. Baker the following message:
“Family of Captain Charles Baker will forward several thousand gold dollars for ransom if this sum will be of benefit. What amount is demanded in gold dollars?”
And replied in code as follows on April 9th through Commandant 12th naval district:
“Your message received. Chinese Government is at present making renewed effort to obtain Captain Baker’s release. Pending outcome of negotiations I suggest you give no publicity to your offer of ransom.”
7. Hoyt now gives me the following cable which he received from Mrs. Baker April 13th.
“Wire ransom details latest developments rescue Captain Charles Baker. Also state health. Family very anxious.”
Perhaps the Department could reply to her in such way as to keep details from the press for I am convinced that any publicity at this time will only result in failure. I cannot say this with too much emphasis.
8. Repeated to the Department, Peiping, Nanking and Hankow.
- For telegram No. 141, see vol. iii, p. 693.↩
- Not printed.↩
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