793.94/11775: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Sokobin) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—7:25 a.m.]
The looting has ceased entirely and a really quiet situation prevails here with every appearance of control by the Chinese authorities. [Page 407] There is still no sign of Japanese military activity along the Yellow River where they reached Tsinanfu more than a month ago, and as yet there is no sign of a change in the Japanese naval and military policy of abstention in respect to Tsingtao or the rest of Shantung, although naturally many expect such a change now that there has been a destruction of Japanese property in Tsingtao.
Up-to-date there has not been a single case of damage to American lives or property. The difficulties which now confront this port immediately are those arising from the strangling of its economic life. Rail traffic practically at standstill and maritime traffic extremely difficult. Harbor facilities practically nonexistent.
Sent to Embassies; Shanghai.