393.11/1188: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:20 p.m.]
548. Legation’s 365, May 23, 6 p.m., paragraph 254 and Legation’s 544, July 6, noon. Following telegram has been sent to the American Consul General at Hankow and repeated to Commander in Chief for his information.
“July 7, 5 p.m. Your July 5, 1 p.m. The Legation is concerned with regard to the safety of Americans in Hunan and upper river points since it would appear that the occupation of Yochow by Communist forces endangers the principal avenue of exit from these areas. Please report what advice you have given or propose to give to Americans whose security is likely to be affected by recent Communist movements and whether you consider conditions such as would warrant advising a general withdrawal of Americans from these areas, provided such withdrawal can be carried out without incurring undue risks en route.”