893.00/11293: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 13—9:40 a.m.]
115. The following telegram has been sent to the Legation:
“November 13, 1 p.m. United States Ship Panay en route to Ichang to relieve U. S. S. Tutuila was subjected yesterday to scattered rifle fire at mileage 169 above Hankow and at mileage 171; seven shots from cannon were observed from left bank at range of 2,500 yards, and at mileage 201 two more cannon shots were observed right bank. As suitable targets not offered in any of three instances, fire was not returned. Notwithstanding 2 weeks have elapsed since bandit suppression campaign commenced, nothing has been done by Chinese authorities to clear this very accessible region of lawless element.
There has been recent revival of firing on passing vessels at point 45 miles above Wusueh. Yangtze Rapid lighter number 2 fired upon in that region day before yesterday. Captain reports Government troops on left bank engaging bandit forces on opposite bank of river. Mei An, Standard Oil Company vessel, also fired upon at same point day before yesterday. Repeated to the Department.”