793.94/6287: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 18—4:10 a.m.]
The explosion of a bomb on a railway bridge near Tientsin central station yesterday just before the arrival of Huang Fu’s special train is interpreted as an attempt on the life of Huang and resulted in the arrest and execution of a slightly wounded Chinese caught near the bridge shortly after the explosion. The Chinese is said to have confessed receiving money for placing the bomb on the bridge. Bombings are of almost daily occurrence here now.
[Page 333]There has apparently been little actual fighting in the Lwanchow region and progress west of that place has been slow. Considerable looting by retreating forces has occurred. The damage to the Lwanchow bridge previously reported will require about 3 weeks to repair, according to American military report.
The Tientsin Bureau of Public Safety has been put under the direct control of the Provincial Government.