393.11/518: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:40 p.m.]
282. Following from American consul at Hankow:
“March 25, noon. Following has been sent Gauss at Shanghai: ‘March 25, 11 a.m. Approximately two hundred and fifty Americans mostly missionaries, women and children, left here early this morning on the Sui Wo for Shanghai. I suggest necessary arrangements be made for their landing or transshipment if necessary. So disorders here but an exceedingly tense and uncertain situation prevails. Remaining American women in port are being placed on the Loongwo today which may sail tomorrow. It is understood that several prominent officers of the Nationalist Government are proceeding to Shanghai. I am also informed J. B. Prohme, editor of the People’s Tribune, official organ of the Nationalist Government, left here on the Sui Wo last night. This has not been confirmed. Eugene Ch’en has given both myself and the British consul general emphatic promises that order will be maintained in Hankow. Notwithstanding this I deem it advisable to put remaining women and [Page 271] children aboard steamers in port here. My family safely aboard Standard Oil Company boat Mei Chuen now here.’
Pell informed: ‘I have deposited … code and confidential and important papers on U. S. S. destroyer Pruitt and taken receipt. I am taking every possible precaution for the protection of American lives and property.’”