Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1928, Volume II

393.11/788: Telegram

The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State

Peking, April 19, 1928—9 p.m.
[Received 9:20 p.m.]

250. My 246, April 19, 5 p.m. Following has been sent to the American consul at Tsinanfu:

“April 19, 6 p.m. Your telegram April 18, 7 p.m., and despatch No. 222, April 17th.

1. With reference to the protection of American citizens mentioned, consult Legation’s March 24, 10 a.m., and March 25, 3 p.m., 1927,⁹⁷ the principles of which should guide you at the present juncture.

2. With reference to your request for instructions whether American citizens should be advised to withdraw in the event of a Southern advance into Shantung, you should advise the withdrawal of all American citizens from the zones of hostilities and you are authorized in your discretion to advise withdrawal from any areas in which it may seem likely that our nationals may be exposed to danger in the immediate future.

3. It is the Legation’s understanding that those Americans residing in the areas above described are doing so either contrary to the advice of your office or without having sought such advice. Please report approximate number of Americans now in southern Shantung and at what places such persons are residing.

4. Repeated to Tsingtau and copies to Tientsin and Chefoo by mail.”

MacMurray

97. Former apparently not transmitted to the Department. For text of the latter, see telegram No. 253, Mar. 25, 1927, from the Minister in China, Foreign Relations, 1927, vol. ii, p. 264.