393.1111 Holleman, C.H./7: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
439. My 437, May 31, 5 p.m. Following naval radiogram from Amoy:
“The following is for the American Minister from the American Consul, Amoy: ‘Holleman is now at Engteng, according to a letter received today by his wife, A ransom of $50,000 is demanded but they may accept less. With the assistance of Lungyen Chinese who are in communication with the doctor, the mission is trying to arrange the ransom, doing everything possible to secure his release. He has so far been well treated. I fear his death will result if any attempt is made to use force. A very confidential explanation dated May 26th to Lungyen Chinese from Holleman states that he is in serious danger unless $10,000 ransom is paid within a week. Local authorities promise every aid to secure his release by the authorities. Putnam.’”
- 2.
- Message repeated to American Consul at Nanking with instructions to push representations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, urging immediate assistance in securing release of Holleman.
- 3.
- Message repeated to American Consul at Swatow with following
instructions, modifying my instructions of May 31, 3 p.m.
“Since American Consul at Amoy reports official and private negotiations now in progress in Fukien and that he fears use of force will result in death of Holleman, you should refrain from representations to General Chang Chen pending further advices from the Legation or direct from American Consul at Amoy in event of urgency.”
- 4.
- Amoy informed of action taken.
- Telegram in two sections.↩