393.11/486: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 24—8:50 a.m.]
247. Following from American consul general at Hankow:
“March 23, 5 p.m. Your March 22, 5 p.m.11 In view of the situation at Shanghai and the critical state of affairs here due to the possible antiforeign reaction from incidents in Shanghai and furthermore to the closing of foreign banks and foreign newspapers and the general feeling of uncertainty and mental anxiety on the part of a large element of the foreign population, I have deemed it advisable [Page 264] to request withdrawal of American women and children. A large number of American women missionaries and their children are here at the present time and it would seem advisable for them to leave for the reasons stated. Transportation facilities are totally inadequate and there are only two American naval vessels, one of them very small, in port today. Strikes have tied up several foreign vessels in port and evacuation of women will necessarily be slow. In case of any sudden attack on the foreigners, such Americans as could be cared for could be placed aboard naval vessels until arrangements could be made for their evacuation. Several incidents involving trouble between foreigners and Chinese have been narrowly averted today and the general situation is otherwise very discouraging. As soon as the women and children are evacuated the; question of the withdrawal of male members of the American community will be taken up if, in the meantime, the situation does not improve. Have about concluded arrangements for two hundred women and children to leave on the Sui Wo tomorrow.”