393.1111 Nelson, Bert N./103: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:08 p.m.]
39. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:
“April 21, 3 p.m. Tvedt arrived in Hankow yesterday afternoon. In addition to money demands, brigands now desire mission authorities to supply gramophone records, tennis rackets and balls, basketballs, chess boards, wrist watches, fountain pens, footballs, fresh fruit and ammunition and other things. Some of the above not including fresh fruit or ammunition are being sent today to Sungpu. Nelson is well and brigands have promised to release him on receipt of $10,000 less amount expended for articles sent today. If the brigands keep their promise Nelson should be released within a week.
General Ho Chen-chun states that he has sent telegraphic instruction to General Kuo at Ichang to do his utmost to effect release of the three missionaries referred to in my April 19, 11 a.m.49
Repeated to Nanking and Department.”