393.1111 Evenson, B./5: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 27—2:20 p.m.]
101. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:
“October 27, 3 p.m. My October 25, 11 a.m.
Miss Evenson and Reverend Tvedt bargained for their own freedom on payment of $3,000 Mexican, which money was supplied by Lutheran United Mission at Sinyang. Tvedt and Miss Evenson, and not the mission, assumed responsibility for payment. Miss Evenson [Page 206] was promptly released but Tvedt has not been released. The bandits are now demanding $30,000, less the [$]3,000 already paid, for the release of Tvedt and Nelson. The bandits request me to point out to the Nanking Government that it should, as the protector of foreigners, send forth at once the sum demanded.
Reverend Nelson has been transferred to communist stronghold at Hwangan, Hupeh, and is held there.
The Filipino nun, Sister Ramos, is still held at Kian. General Lu Ti-ping has sent two divisions of troops to the relief of Kian, one of which is now near there.
I am continuing my efforts on behalf of Reverend Nelson and Sister Ramos with the provincial and local authorities.
According to a local newspaper compilation, there are now in the hands of communist bandits in this Consular district 21 foreigners, including French, Italians, British, Norwegians, Spaniards and the 2 Americans herein mentioned.
Repeated to Department.”