793.94/9215: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, August 6, 1937—3
p.m.
[Received August 6—2:15 p.m.]
[Received August 6—2:15 p.m.]
377. Embassy’s 371, August 4, 4 p.m.
- 1.
- Exodus of Chinese from Nanking continues. While some are proceeding to Hankow and interior places, the majority appear to be going to Shanghai and it is a curious circumstance that a number of Chinese evacuating Shanghai are coming to Nanking for safety. According to official sources, the general plan of the Government is to reduce Nanking’s population of more than one million to about 200,000 able bodied men. The nervousness of the population has been increased by air defense instructions posted by the War Office which give warning that “enemy planes may come at any moment and drop bombs” and many Chinese women and children living in the Hsiakwan section near the river are moving to the south city because of fear of bombardment by gunboats. These developments will undoubtedly intensify and spread the nervousness already apparent and may result in exaggerated press reports.
- 2.
- The British American Tobacco Company has ordered wives and children of its foreign employees to leave Nanking and Kiukiang.
- 3.
- Sent to the Department and Peiping. By mail to Shanghai.
Johnson