394.115 Panay/172: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State

528. My telegram 527, December 21, 1 p.m.94 I find that in an earlier despatch describing the death of Sandri which was printed in the Corriere Delia Sera of December 18, and which has just been brought to my attention Barzini reported as follows:

“The boats were returning to the ship to get medicines and distilled water when boats full of troops which had been lying wait on the other bank during the bombardment approached the Panay which was slowly disappearing under water and opened fire with machine guns on the deserted vessel.”

Phillips
  1. Not printed.