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Moreover, the vernacular press had been working up a public agitation over the Nanking incident as well as over two earlier outrages which had been committed against Japanese officers, Captain Kawasaki and Sub-Lieutenant Nishimura, in the neighbour hood of Hankow. These latter incidents had not unnaturally excited a feeling of indignation in military circles, with the result that warlike talk was heard. It is not easy to ascertain exactly what steps have been taken by the authorities, as the news- papers have been forbidden to discuss the incident, and one or two which had ventured to report it have been suppressed. It is officially stated that a demand for satisfaction has been addressed to the Government at Peking. It is impossible, in the absence of information as to the nature of these demands, to forecast the result, but it seems most desirable that the Chinese Government should grant full and prompt satisfaction if they wish to avoid unpleasant developments.
I have, &c.
[44011]
No. 140.
CONYNGHAM GREENE.
(No. 358.) Sir,
Mr. Alston to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received September 27.)
Peking, September 12, 1913. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of a despatch from His Majesty's consul at Nanking, describing the condition of affairs in that city subsequent to the entry of the northern troops.
General Chang Hsun had previously declared that he would permit no pillage or outrages of any kind to occur after his entrance into the city; the general, however, discreetly remained outside for three days, during which time his troops were allowed uncontrolled licence. After establishing himself in Nanking on the 4th September, Chang Haus went through the formality of posting up stringent orders and of decapitating a few of the looters who were caught red-handed, but by that time there was nothing left to loot.
Considerable excitement has been roused by the killing of three Japanese civilians and the destruction of Japanese property by Chang Hsun's men at Nanking during the sacking of the city.
I have, &c.
Enclosure in No. 140.
B. ALSTON.
(No. 77.) Sir,
Consul Tours to Mr. Alston.
Nanking, September 4, 1913. I HAVE the honour to report that the condition of affairs in Nanking during the last three days, following the capture of the city by the Government troops on the 1st instant, has been truly appalling, and thoroughly in accordance with traditions of Chinese medieval warfare. Wanton murder, looting, rape, and incendiarism have been the unchecked amusements of the victorious soldiery. This morning General Chang Hsun entered the city in some state by the east gate (Taiping Mên), and proceeded to a yamên at Nua Pailou, in the south-east centre of the city; there he took up his quarters. Two or three hours later General Feng Kuo-chang entered the city by the north gate (Yi-fông Mên), and took up his quarters at the Naval College, close to this consulate, in the north of the city. The accommodation is scarcely adequate, however, and he proposes to move on to the house of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs, some 2 miles further into the city.
The three days' licence to the soldiery has clearly been by prearrangement. Up to last night hell unrestrained has reigned in the city; late last night, in anticipation of the General's entry to-day, proclamations over General Fêng's name appeared, ordering dire penalties against any who might be found looting, raping, or creating any disturbance after the appearance of the proclamation. The ability to enforce order has been amply demonstrated this morning; belated looters have been brought to the Naval College, and summarily executed in the roadway, their heads then suspended from the trees in the avenue along the main road,
The three days have provided sufficient time for a complete and thorough looting of the whole city, Scarcely a stick or a rug remains unlooted. Any who have
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