393.1115/977: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 19—2:15 p.m.]
729. A naval message which I have asked the flagship to repeat to you directly reports that the ship boats from the destroyer which arrived off Haichow this morning were driven off by Chinese rifle fire; that Dr. Reed, American missionary who accompanied destroyer, was later able to land in Chinese merchant tug to arrange evacuation; that about 19 refugees were expected from Haichow about 3 o’clock this afternoon; that at 5 o’clock they had not appeared and no word had been received from Dr. Reed. The destroyer is remaining off port to await further word.44 I cannot but protest against the irresponsible [Page 341] manner in which the Chinese authorities regard their obligation toward neutrals after full notification of the purposes of the visit of the American destroyer had been given through the Embassy. I request that representations be made to the Foreign Office for the protection of the Americans at Haichow and for their safe evacuation to the American destroyer standing off that port. The firing on the ship’s crew in my opinion is inexcusable and suitable amends should be forthcoming.
Sent to Nanking. Repeated to Department.
- The Consul General at Shanghai in his telegram No. 730, September 19, 10 p.m., reported all refugees on board the destroyer proceeding to Tsingtao (393.1115/976).↩