361.1123 L 25/15: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Bell) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received January 17—9:35 a.m.]
27. I have just received a despatch dated January 12th from the consul at Vladivostok stating that he is informed by captain of the Albany that on two occasions 5 or 6 weeks ago Richardson was himself halted by Japanese sentries and threatened by them with bayonets. Further, that on three occasions since shooting of Langdon officers and men of the Albany have been halted and threatened by Japanese sentries. One incident reported occurred January 8th when Ensign Scott and two marines whom Richardson had sent to look for Langdon’s pistol were surrounded by 10 Japanese soldiers in position of charge bayonets and held thus for 8 minutes during part of which time a Japanese officer was present.
There is nothing in the consul’s despatch to indicate that any protest had been lodged with the Japanese military authorities in respect of these incidents.