124.93/356: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:40 p.m.]
692. [To Shanghai:] Shanghai’s September 17, 1 p.m. Following informal letter has been sent by messenger today to the Minister for Foreign Affairs:32
“Yesterday evening I received by telegraph through the American Consul General at Shanghai a communication from the Commanding Officer of the Japanese Third Fleet in which he advised the American Embassy and other diplomatic missions and foreign nationals to leave Nanking, in order to avoid possible involvement in contemplated military measures.
The standing instructions of my Government, in circumstances of apparent danger to myself and staff, are to avoid that danger if possible. I intend, therefore, to embark with my staff on an American naval vessel in the near future, and thereafter to do everything possible under those conditions to maintain contact with yourself and the National Government. Needless to say, I shall return to the Embassy premises at the earliest opportunity. As of probable interest I enclose a copy of the communication referred to above”.33
Shanghai repeat to Tokyo.
- Wang Chung-hui.↩
- See telegram No. 656, September 14, 5 p.m., from the Ambassador in China, vol. iv, p. 327.↩