393.11/1166: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
439. Department’s 172, May 22, 5 p.m.
1. Following from American Consul at Hankow:
“May 27, 3 p.m. On May 22nd General Ho Ying-chin received a telegram from General [Chin] Han-ting at Kanchow, ‘The Communists were dispersed and suppressed around the said city’ and also that Bishop O’Shea is staying safely there. General Ho expresses the belief that American citizens and property at Kanchow will be adequately protected. Notwithstanding this assurance it is known that the families of many Chinese officials are withdrawing to Kiukiang [Page 135] and that some foreign families are also proceeding there under military escort from interior points in Kiangsi.
As soon as telegraph communication to Kiukiang now interrupted is restored I will inform Bishop O’Shea and inquire as to present welfare of Americans resident Kanchow and as to whether and in what circumstances any or all of them would act in conformity with American official advice to withdraw. In the meantime I have asked General Ho Ying-chin to despatch such a message by radio or land lines when restored. Please see my despatch number 973 of May 21 which enclosed a letter from Bishop O’Shea dated May 1142 reporting himself and other Americans at Kanchow safe on that date but the general situation still extremely unsettled.”
2. Legation is sending the following to Lockhart:
“June 13, 3 p.m. Your May 27, 3 p.m. Commander in Chief telegraphed June 10 that Nanchang will probably be evacuated within 10 days if Chang Fah-kwei maintains his advance and that Communists would then control entire province of Kiangsi. In this eventuality, are there any further measures which suggest themselves to you on behalf of American citizens at Kanchow?”