893.00/11028: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:55 p.m.]
637. Legation’s 628, July 24 [29], 4 p.m. Following from American Consul at Hankow:
“July 29, noon. Capture of Changsha was apparently accomplished by defection of part of Government troops and retreat of others. That Chinese official inquiry in Changsha should have been unaware of nearby presence of Communists in such numbers makes safety of Wuhan seem precarious.
To ascertain strength of Hankow garrison and Government plans regarding Changsha I have today tried to make an appointment with Ho Ying-chin, or his aide, Colonel Tan, both of whom are ‘out’.
In light of surprise nature of attacks on Yochow and Changsha and doubtful strength of Wuhan defenses I deem it only prudent to have an American destroyer or large unit stationed at Hankow until conditions are more secure.
Guam is remaining in Hankow. Panay ordered from Ichang to Chenglingki.”
Commander in Chief informed.