393.11/1232: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
632. Legation’s 561, July 10, 5 p.m.
1. Following from mail despatch July 19, from American Consul at Hankow:
“I have the honor to inform the Legation that a circular letter, a copy of which is attached, was mailed on July 11th, 1930, to all adult American citizens and to the heads of American families residing at all points in these four provinces, with the exception of the cities of Hankow, Wuchang and Hanyang. In this manner 239 American citizens were directly notified by the circular, while 180 wives and children were indirectly notified, making total number of 419 American citizens who have been warned that it is not considered advisable for them to live in the remote sections of Hunan, Honan, Hupeh and Kiangsi Provinces.”
2. Following telegram is being sent in reply:
“July 30, noon. The Legation suggests that you again circularize American citizens in Hupeh, Hunan, Honan and Kiangsi, calling attention to the increasing severity of bandit and communist activities at Changsha and other places and urgently warning them of the extreme danger of remaining at exposed points, and of the necessity of [Page 154] withdrawing to places where they can be adequately protected. Please reply by telegraph concerning the situation at Ruling and whether Americans there making plans to withdraw.”
Legation’s telegram to Hankow repeated to the Commander in Chief.
- Telegram in two sections.↩