893.00/12969: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 23—8:50 a.m.]
87. Reference Legation’s 83, February 20, 10 a.m., following telegram has been received from the Consul General at Hankow:
“February 23, noon. On February 22 China Inland Mission here submitted correspondence indicating apparent increased gravity of the situation in south Shensi, including telegram from Sian dated February 20th that Hanchung (Mincheng) was reported taken by Red forces. British missionaries attempting to evacuate Upper Han valley in Shensi. No Americans in that area so far as known. On February 16th I telegraphed Chairmen of Shensi and Kansu listing places where Americans reside and requesting protection and assistance in evacuation if necessary.
Repeated to Nanking.”