893.00/4–449: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 5—12:21 a. m.]
701. Two features which emerge from still somewhat confused picture student 1-day peace strike and riots Nanking April 1 are that to considerable extent demonstration was Communist-instigated and Government has acted with commendable restraint.
Participating students numbered at least 5000 and came from all Nanking Universities and Colleges, particularly National Central University. Slogans represented curious mixture student desires and Communist themes. Among former were demands for free food, lodging and tuition and end conscription and requisitioning. Among latter were demands cessation American aid and slogans calling against “false peace” and “legitimacy of Kmt institution”. In general, it cannot be said demonstration was strongly anti-American. Number students were disenchanted by radical views organizers. Fine hand Communists demonstrated also by fact that workmen from schools paraded alongside students. Given Communist inspiration whole operation, it is therefore rather remarkable that more anti-Americanism was not shown.
Main parade occurred during morning, was orderly and without police interference. It was in afternoon that trouble commenced. After disbanding, two groups became consecutively involved in brawls with wounded and ex-POW National soldiers angered at students dancing Yangko and plastering anti-Government posters around streets. There is no reason believe special agents Garrison Command incited soldiers to violence.
Unconfirmable reports indicate about 100 students injured, perhaps 12 seriously, and 2 or 3 have since died. Soldier casualties were around 50.
While too much importance should not be attached this unfortunate incident, Communists will doubtless capitalize on it maximum extent. [Page 227] Their Peiping broadcast April 2 picked it up promptly, claiming in injured tones that students had been brutally beaten by Kmt troops and secret police. National Government attempt forestall this has been quick. On April 1, for that night alone, curfew was advanced from midnight to 10 p. m. Garrison Command issued press release same evening and reaffirmed previous order against demonstrations, which had been given same morning under authority martial law. Government will pay hospital bills of students. Executive Yuan has ordered Minister of Education and Garrison Command locate responsibility for incident and settle it.
Sent Department, repeated OffEmb Canton 220, Shanghai 329.