893.1111 Holleman, CH./1: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 28—9:25 a.m.]
426. Following from American Consul at Amoy:
“May 27, 4 p.m. Communist force, estimated 2,000, raided American Reformed Church Mission, Lungyenchou, May 23rd, looting everything except hospital equipment but did not damage buildings. No Chinese persons or property interfered with in the city and Communists retired towards Shanghang and Tingchowfu same day, taking Doctor C. H. Holleman prisoner with them. Mrs. Holleman, Mrs. Poppen and four children escaped, reaching Amoy today safely. Communists told Chinese they required Holleman to render medical services. I have asked authorities to take all possible steps to establish communication and obtain his release by negotiation. Also a Chinese connected with the mission is following Communists [with?] [Page 461] same purpose. I am endeavoring to inform General Chang Chen through the American Consul at Swatow.”
This telegram is being repeated to American Consul at Nanking with the following instruction:
“Please inform Minister of Foreign Affairs, urgently requesting his assistance in effecting the release of Holleman.”