393.1111 Baker, Charles/74: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 9:30 a.m.]
Following telegram from Hankow dated April 19, noon; and my April 19, 8 p.m., to Hankow repeated for your information:
“April 19, noon. Your April 18, 11 a.m. An agent of Andrew has [Page 497] visited Baker’s captors. The communist leader was under the impression that Baker owned all the Yangtze Rapid’s vessels. The agent denied this and stated that no Americans were interested in paying further money for Baker’s release. He stated, however, that he believed that if any harm came to Captain Baker the American Government would send naval vessels and airplanes to destroy communist towns. The communist leader replied that Baker’s life would be guarded to the utmost. The agent made no attempt to open negotiations but gathered information that the bandits were now expecting about 30,000 dollars silver for Baker’s release.
Andrew is proceeding carefully and it may be some time before there are any definite developments in the case.”
“April 19, 8 p.m. Your April 19, noon. Acting under instructions from the Department of State I came to Nanking today and made strong protests to leaders in the Government against the lack of energy and promptness hitherto shown by the Chinese Government in connection with efforts for Baker’s release. I was assured that telegraphic instructions would be sent immediately to Ho Chen-chun and Hsia Tou-ying to increase their efforts and it might be advisable for you to inform these officials that secret negotiations are under way and bespeak with negotiators such cooperation as may be necessary. Your April 19, noon, and the [this?] telegram will be repeated to the Department and Legation.”