124.93/395: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, December 2, 1937—9
a.m.
[Received December 3—6 a.m.]
[Received December 3—6 a.m.]
980. Department’s 368, November 30, 2 p.m.
- 1.
- I am placing Gassie on Panay this evening with all codes except one gray, with all seals and fee stamps, and code room will thereafter function on board.
- 2.
- All British subjects except five are now sleeping on Jardine hulk up river. Our problem is different and more difficult than theirs. We have no such accommodations for our nationals, the Panay will be extremely crowded, and while I should prefer getting on board within next 2 days those who plan to embark, there is reluctance on part of all concerned to undertake removal at this time. Steps taken by the Chinese authorities including transfers of troops appear to have lessened at least temporarily the danger of internal disorders; and except for some untoward circumstance such as indiscriminate bombing or disorders, I am afraid we shall not be successful in embarking more than a few until artillery fire is audible. We are again urging [Page 745] all Americans to evacuate and have taken pains to impress upon them the probability that when fighting occurs near Nanking a panic among the intramural population would make egress through the one open gate to the Bund difficult and hazardous.
- 3.
- Developments at the front today and tomorrow will probably clarify the situation and dictate a more definite course of action. My colleagues and I have agreed as regards ourselves to take concerted action.
- 4.
- Sent to the Department; repeated to Hankow, Peiping.
Atcheson