393.11/458: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 15—10:15 a.m.]
144. Your February 4, 3 p.m.
- 1.
- The Legation on January 23 telegraphed Changsha to expedite the evacuation of all Americans in that district, instructing Vincent to use his best judgment as to the practical application of this measure as regarding available transportation facilities, classification and selection of individuals with regard to order of departure and other pertinent matters. On January 25th Vincent replied that he was urging Americans to withdraw, that 70 Americans had withdrawn and that many more would be leaving in the next two weeks, leaving only enough in Eastern Hunan to protect property and carry on business, most of whom lived in Changsha and could be granted asylum on the Villalobos. On January 28th, the Legation replied that for the immediate present it perceived no cogent objection to a very limited number of Americans remaining in Changsha for the special purposes referred to, provided that Villalobos was prepared to give them asylum if necessary.
- 2.
- From the foregoing it will be apparent that the Legation’s instructions made no differentiation between Americans engaged in different pursuits. If these instructions have not affected business activities to the same extent as they have missionary activities, this is due to the fact that the number of American businessmen in Hunan is very limited and almost entirely resident in Changsha.
- 3.
- The Legation however referred your telegram above mentioned to
Vincent who has replied as follows:
“February 10, 1 p.m. The Legation’s February 7, 4 p.m. (1) No Americans have been ‘ordered’ to withdraw; I have again advised them and urged their departure. (2) Hundred have withdrawn leaving one hundred and thirty to go. Ten missionaries and fourteen businessmen will remain at Changsha. Standard Oil Company has four men here; they are short two men. It is true that local conditions have been comparatively quiet. Some missionaries have been loath to go but all have cooperated with me and I am convinced that there has been no local criticism of the Legation’s or consulate’s policy. The treasurer of Yale told me ‘This action is a welcome solution of our problems.’ (2) [sic] Nationalist Government has done nothing to prevent agitation and strikes by students and employees; effective educational and medical work was not possible, registration [Page 260] was not feasible. Yale schools have been obliged to close; hospital is under Chinese board until July 1st; open but not operating; (3) [sic] Foreigners are remaining at Yale. Withdrawal missionaries at this time is not a particular hardship if protection against properties can be arranged; this has been accomplished in most cases. (3) Fifteen British men at Changsha. With few exceptions other foreigners have withdrawn.”
- 4.
- The Legation’s instruction to expedite the evacuation of Americans was dictated by general considerations and not primarily as a result of the local situation in Hunan which itself gave rise to serious apprehension. The Legation does not consider that the danger has as yet disappeared and therefore granted asylum [sic] prepared to approve continued residence of our nationals in Hunan or in Changsha except as indicated in paragraph number 1.