393.115/564: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Hankow (Davies) to the Secretary of State
Kiukiang, February 16, 1939—11
a.m.
[Received February 16—6:55 a.m.]
[Received February 16—6:55 a.m.]
My February 13, 4 [10] p.m. Situation in Kiukiang.
- 1.
- Yesterday I was again escorted by a Japanese Army officer and gendarmes on visit to Kiukiang Americans.
- 2.
- With regard to Frick incident Mr. Frick told me he and his wife were on their way to [visit] Gallon, another missionary, crossed street before reaching naval sentry posted on side walk half block from Japanese Consulate, started enter side street when summoned by sentry. They deferentially approached sentry prepared to show pass. Sentry then drunkenly seized Fricks and attempted shove them across street after which he departed for nearby billet. Nonplussed, Fricks awaited his return. When he came back he loaded clip of cartridges in rifle and pointed gun at Fricks. Tension resolved by intercession other Japanese sailors.
- 3.
- This morning I made verbal representations to Japanese Consul on Frick Case.
- 4.
- Other missionaries report repeated discourtesy and minor intimidation from sentries. Their properties have also suffered from Japanese pilfering and looting which they prefer not to have made the subject of representations lest thereby they earn the more pronounced enmity of the Japanese military.
- 5.
- Kiukiang being an active base for southward operations, the military are resentful of the presence of foreigners in the city and view them with unconcealed suspicion.
Sent to Hankow.
Repeated to Peiping, Shanghai.
Davies