Office of the Historian

893.00/9035: Telegram

The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State

Peking, June 3, 1927—9 p.m.
[Received June 3—2:50 p.m.]

615. My despatch No. 1014, April 22, 1927.7

1.
With reference to the circular letter April 14th addressed by British Minister to his nationals resident in Peking, British Legation has now further circularized them privately and confidentially to the following effect, drawing attention to the fact that the first and second phases referred to in the circular of April 14th have now been reached: Subparagraph 1. That these developments have led to a review of the general situation as a result of which the following measures are now strictly urged on British subjects in Peking. Subparagraph 2. Rapid successes of Nationalist forces indicate prospect of change of regime in Peking with possibility of serious disturbances; impossible to say when this change may be expected, but indications point to its occurring (and consequently to the means of communication between Tientsin and Peking being interrupted) at an earlier date than previously anticipated; therefore it is strongly advised that British subjects living outside the Legation Quarter should immediately make arrangements to send away their women and children, and it is suggested that those who intended to go to seaside resorts for the summer should antedate their departure and proceed at once. Subparagraph 3. As regards phase 3, referred to in circular of April 14th, it has been decided to modify the advice contained therein as follows: It is not considered essential that British subjects living inside the Legation Quarter should withdraw from [Page 129] Peking. Furthermore, male British subjects living in the city who feel it incumbent on them to remain to look after business interests may use their discretion in the matter, on the understanding that they remain on their own responsibility; in that event, however, they should make their arrangements forthwith for withdrawing into the Legation Quarter at short notice.
2.
Referring to paragraph 7 of my 601, May 31, 6 p.m. I have under consideration suggesting to American citizens living outside the Legation Quarter to withdraw from Peking substantially in the manner described in the British circular outlined above. I shall keep the Department informed of any action in this respect.
MacMurray
  1. Not printed.↩