893.00/8367: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 10—8:40 a.m.]
207. Following from Nanking:
“March 9, 3 p.m. Some 2500 Cantonese troops arrived at Wuhu on the 6th. Afternoon of the 8th a Cantonese-instigated mob wrecked customhouse at Wuhu and a general antiforeign riot occurred. Majority of the foreigners removed to hulks for safety. American mission buildings believed to be looted. American mission stations in southern Anhui had already been evacuated on advice from this consulate.
I have asked American consul general at Hankow to lodge protest with Minister for Foreign Affairs and to ask that order be maintained at Wuhu and American property be evacuated if occupied.
[Page 86]Large troop arrivals, mainly of the Twenty-third Division.
Nanking apprehensive but outwardly quiet.”
I have telegraphed Lockhart to protest in person if practicable and report result of his conversation with Ch’en.