394.115 Panay/141: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 18—8:55 a.m.]
80. [Ap]pertaining to question whether Japanese military were informed of presence of Panay and convoy at or near vicinity of bombing, I am informed that at approximately 10:09 on the [morning?] of December 12 at approximately mileage 216 above Woosung, 5 miles below the place she was bombed, the Panay was hailed by Japanese troops. Boat came alongside with 30 armed soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Yomura Kami. Four came aboard with fixed bayonets and during conversation the purpose and destination of Panay was asked; also inquiries were made as to state of Chinese lines. The Captain was asked if he would come ashore, an invitation which he politely refused.
Repeated to Peiping for repetition to Tokyo and to Shanghai for Cine.