793.94/8740: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 13—11:58 a.m.]
228. Nanking’s 270, July 12, midnight and 272, July 13, 9 a.m. I have been informed that British Ambassador, who is now at summer home in Peitaiho, will probably go to Nanking.
In view of the fact this request comes indirectly through a newspaper correspondent and not directly to me or through Peck, I am not planning to leave Peiping where I consider situation so delicate that I think my presence here for the time being necessary. My decision in this matter of course is subject to the Department’s wishes. I would feel differently about it if the [Minister for Foreign Affairs] were to make the request direct.
Repeated to Nanking.