Office of the Historian

793.94/9491: Telegram

The Consul at Hong Kong (Donovan) to the Secretary of State

Hong Kong, August 17, 1937—5 p.m.
[Received August 19—5 a.m.]

Evacuation of Canton by Japanese nationals including the Consul General and staff is interpreted by British military operations headquarters as due to a keen desire on the part of Japan to avoid further incidents especially in an area where military operations would be difficult and possibly involve complications with Great Britain.

Donovan