793.94/11579: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 11—9:23 a.m.]
1031. International Committee requests following be communicated to Chiang Kai Shek as soon as possible:
“The International Committee wishes respectfully to inform General Chiang Kai Shek through the proper channels that Defence Commander Tang Sheng Chih considers the Committee’s truce proposal right and proper for humanitarian reasons. But he must refer to the highest authority the question of withdrawal, since he is under orders to defend Nanking. The International Committee therefore urgently renews its proposal at this critical moment when several thousand civilians in Nanking have already lost their homes from military causes, and when 200,000 are endangered. (Signed) Rabe, Chairman”.
- 2.
- Confidential for the Ambassador from the Committee:
“The International Committee upon authoritative assurances confirms its statement of Tang’s attitude. Headquarters is convinced Chiang would agree if he knew the military situation. (Signed) Rabe, Chairman.”
- 3.
- Sent to Hankow, Peiping, Shanghai. Peiping please repeat to Tokyo.