Papers Relating to the Foreign relations of the United States, 1927, Volume II

393.11/434: Telegram

Peking, January 18, 1927—7 p.m.
[Received January 18—5:51 p.m.]

49. My 47, January 18, 5 p.m. and Hankow’s January 17, 1 p.m.96

1.: I have instructed Lockhart to protest in person to Nationalist authorities and to inquire what assurances they are prepared to give that American life and property at Foochow will be protected; also to demand that those at Foochow responsible for this outrage be punished and to state that claims will be presented in due course. I have also informed Lockhart of the substance of my number 42, January 17, 7 p.m. and stated that I question whether I can longer refrain from warning all Americans to withdraw at once from areas under Nationalist control. I have therefore directed him to inform Nationalist authorities that the consul at Foochow is arranging for the evacuation of all American citizens in his consular district and to inquire whether I am to inform my Government of my conviction that the Nationalist authorities are either no longer able or no longer willing to afford protection to Americans and state that in the absence of immediate and convincing assurances and concrete evidence of such willingness and ability I purpose to advise all my nationals to withdraw at once from the regions under Nationalist control.
2.: I am informing Price that I approve of his action as reported and that he is authorized to incur any expenses actually necessary to effect the complete evacuation of American citizens. I request the Department’s approval.
3.: A formal protest will be made with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Peking.

MacMurray