393.11/2004: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai ( Gauss ) to the Secretary of State

The Commander-in-Chief of the Asiatic Fleet and I have considered it necessary in the extreme emergency and without advance specific authorization from Washington to direct the Dollar Steamship Company’s general manager for the Far East to divert their ships from regular schedules to evacuate American women and children from Shanghai to Manila. I respectfully request that any necessary action be obtained from Congress to support the emergency action we have taken. Details will be communicated later.

Gauss