893.00/8615: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 7—12:40 p.m.]
372. Following from American consul at Foochow:
“April 5, 1 p.m. Continuing my April 4, 3 p.m. Reports just received indicate that what virtually amounts to anti-Communist coup d’état involving complete change in the provincial administrative personnel has taken place, said to have been directly under orders Chiang Kai-shek. While the strictly local situation appears to be for the time being improved, the Japanese are today evacuating Foochow women and children in view of the recent developments in Hankow. Are you in a position to state whether you consider that complete evacuation Americans from Foochow will become necessary in view of those or other developments.”
I am replying as follows:
“(1) April 7, 5 p.m. Your April 5, 1 p.m. I am not in a position to say whether complete evacuation will become necessary, which is primarily a matter for your discretion. Meanwhile follow instructions contained in the Legation’s March 25, noon.”
See Legation’s number 254, March 25, 4 p.m., paragraph 3.