893.00/8646: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 11—9:21 a.m.]
12. There have been 1,400 Japanese evacuated, approximately 1,000 being women and children. Less than 100 women and children remain and about 800 men. About 75 Americans remain, most of these being indispensable to business and other American enterprises.
The situation having become so uncertain and the commander of the Yangtze Patrol having served notice that under no conditions will attempt be made to defend any point in case of trouble other than the consulate, and that only during actual evacuation, I chartered the Kiangwo late yesterday as a refuge for Americans. This action was taken at the urgent request of the Admiral. Charter runs for 10 days and exact expense cannot yet be computed by company. Will telegraph cost later. Most Americans sleeping aboard.
Large bodies of troops, estimated at about 12,000 and belonging to Fourth and Eleventh Armies, observed yesterday on south bank of river opposite Hankow moving downward. Many troops moving out of Hankow and apparently proceeding to the north.
Have placed aboard naval vessels all arms, equipment and ammunition belonging to the American volunteers and to the consulate. Legation informed.