893.00/8027: Telegram

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

23. Following telegrams from Hankow:

“January 10, 11 a.m. Your January 5, 5 p.m.91 In view of recent developments here and possible reactions at interior points due to misinformation and exaggerated reports, representatives of the several missionary organizations here have at my request despatched the following telegram to their interior missions:

‘No deaths of foreigners or Chinese here in troubles this week though several injured. British Concession [now in control of Chinese. Situation improving but is]92 still confused. If any missionaries feel themselves in danger, American consul general advises going to a large port where transportation facilities are good. I concur.’

This, it will be observed, is simply a warning in effort, to correct any wild orations made here, no details being circulated at interior points.”

“January 10, 4 p.m. Situation quiet today, but no resumption of business by the British firms. Apparently they are waiting arrival of representatives of the British Legation who are expected here tomorrow or next day. British men of the port still concentrated in Asiatic Petroleum Building. Two additional British naval vessels arriving tomorrow.

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Few more American women and children leaving today. French have voluntarily removed wire and sandbag barricades in their Concession. The evacuation from the consulate by American women and children who wished to leave was accomplished without the necessity of calling out volunteers or landing naval units in special district.”

MacMurray
  1. Not found in Department files.
  2. Bracketed words inserted in accord with undated correction telegram from the Minister in China; received Jan. 12, 1927, 1:58 p.m. (file No. 893.00/8043).