393.1163 Free Methodist/26: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:15 p.m.]
538. 1. Following telegram dated October 9 was sent by Embassy to Free Methodist Mission, Kaifeng:
“Reports received here of anti-American agitation in Chenliu and possibly in Kihsien. Please telegraph whether these reports are correct and if so please furnish statement American Embassy.”
2. Following is mission’s reply dated October 10:
“Reports regarding Chenliu correct, residence there impossible, Free Methodist Mission.”
3. Information received here in a letter from Miss Mattie Peterson of the Free Methodist Mission at Chenliu, Honan, now at Kaifeng indicates that a pronounced anti-American campaign sponsored by a resident Japanese official has been initiated at Chenliu some 15 miles southeast of Kaifeng; that Miss Peterson is afraid to return to her station; and that Chinese assisting the mission at Chenliu have been driven away. Embassy understands that there are now no Americans in Chenliu.
4. Pending receipt of detailed statement from mission, Embassy will make preliminary oral representations to Japanese Embassy here requesting that an investigation be made and that, if the situation is as stated, orders be issued to suppress this agitation and appropriate disciplinary measures be taken against the official responsible therefor.
Repeat to Hankow, by airmail to Tokyo.