893.00/5617: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 15—7:07 a.m.]
Kiangsu troops consisting of 1,500 Fifth Hupeh Brigade, General Chang Yuen-min commanding, occupied Lunghua Arsenal and yamen without opposition yesterday afternoon. Wen Shih-tsin assumed charge as commissioner for foreign affairs late 14th. Wong [Page 383] Kuo-pan takes up permanent appointment of commissioner of police Shanghai for Woosung constabulary today. General Sun Chuanfeng is believed to have returned to Hangchow to begin rehabilitating province. Rumors of disaffection officers Kiangsu forces minimized by new Chi officials not regarded serious. Efforts to reorganize Chekiang forces under new leaders will delay restoration of normalcy. Wen and others are confident that Hsü Shu-tseng, known as Little Hsu, who is prominent in these efforts and who has collected a small Chekiang force well armed and is reported this morning to be digging trenches on Markham Road, Chapei, within a hundred yards of concessions cannot offer serious prolonged opposition. Marshal Chi probably arrives today as his personal troops have reached Chenju, 4 miles from Shanghai. Have been reassured by new officials as to protection of Americans for property [sic]. Local conditions regarded quite safe.