393.11/579: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 9—3:05 p.m.]
393. Following from Vice Consul Vincent on board U. S. S. Palos:
“April 7, 10 p.m. The consulate was closed and sealed this morning; the archives and correspondence are with me. Japanese gunboat and steamer left Changsha this morning with all Japanese and 6 Americans on board; Palos withdrew this afternoon escorting Standard Oil Company vessels with 6 Americans on board. All of the vessels are anchored tonight 28 miles below Changsha. Expect to reach Hankow Saturday morning.
All Americans have withdrawn with the exception of 12 Catholics in west Hunan who have telegraphed that they are unable to depart (presumably because of bandits).
Changsha was quiet when we withdrew. Anti-American feeling is strong but has not resulted in violence.”