394.115 Panay/5: Telegram
The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)61
[Received December 13—6 a.m.]
0013. Japanese Chief of Staff called at 11:00 and made following report to Cincaf regarding bombing Panay and three Standard Oil vessels near mileage 221 above Woosung afternoon 12 December. Four vessels were proceeding upriver, speed 4 knots, one Japanese plane endeavored ascertain nationality, flew altitude 300 meters, unable distinguish flags, at 1325 three bombers attacked convoy, set vessels on fire, at 1330 six fighters attack sank one vessel, at 1340 six bombers attack damaged one vessel at 1630 two bombers attack sank two vessels. Unable determine exact time Panay hit, sunk. Vice Admiral Hasegawa called, admitted Japanese Navy responsibility, expressed apologies and regrets, stated Japanese prepared make suitable amends, offered assistance for survivors and stated had despatched naval plane try help survivors. H. M. S. Bee and Oahu now proceeding vicinity Hohsien where survivors are. Full information regarding incident, names killed, wounded not available. Will send when received from the Oahu. All vessels were directed in August to display colors horizontally on upper decks and Panay was undoubtedly complying with this order.
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩