393.11/437: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 4—5:24 a.m.]
Your February 3, 5 p.m.5 I have not advised or suggested withdrawal of Americans from Shanghai to Manila. I have advised quiet withdrawal of women and children from the interior to Shanghai while lines of communication in the district remain open and safe and have cautioned all Americans to be prepared to withdraw without delay preferably to Shanghai or to ports where they may be protected or if necessary evacuated. Gradual withdrawal women and children to Shanghai is proceeding. The plans being worked out here in cooperation with the Navy for the safety of Americans at Shanghai contemplate that in the remote contingency that Shanghai should be attacked or any very serious disorders occur threatening safety of Americans, the evacuation of American women and children and, if necessary, men to Manila would be carried out.
- Not printed.↩