893.00/11088: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 15—9:45 a.m.]
701. The following has been received from the American Consul at Tsinanfu:
“August 14, 3 p.m. Government aircraft have been flying over Tsinanfu dropping a few bombs and firing machine guns; at least 6 did so at 7 o’clock this morning. Objectives were probably the Government office in the middle of the city and both railway stations in the Settlement, but the planes stayed at too great height to be accurate; there were several casualties, nearly all civilians. Because no military advantage was gained and because 2,500 foreigners are in Tsinanfu the Consuls ask the Legations [to] suggest that the city be considered outside zone of operations as in June last.
[Page 172]Fu Tso-yi’s army on the Tsinpu83 front fell back yesterday within 20 miles from here but now they are advancing. Yesterday some fighting occurred 12 miles away; I heard machine gun and gun fire distinctly.
On Tsingtau Railway Shansi forces have withdrawn to Changlo. No important engagement reported.”
The Legation has requested American Consul at Nanking to discuss the situation with the Foreign Office, requesting that due care be exercised to prevent injury to American life and property at Tsinanfu.
- Tientsin-Pukow Railway.↩