393.1115/298a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)76
178. Department’s 166, August 20, 2 p.m. In making estimate of possibilities and probabilities, Department finds conflicting indications in regard to the question whether military operations in China will spread further afield or will tend to be concentrated and restricted to certain areas. Department feels that the Embassy and Consulates might advantageously consider whether or not it is desirable that they give renewed and emphatic advice to Americans to withdraw from various areas as soon as possible. Department realizes that [Page 283] some Americans will be very reluctant to follow any advice to withdraw but desires that Embassy and Consulates endeavor continuously to urge upon American nationals wherever there is or appears likely to be substantial hazard the desirability of withdrawing before peril becomes imminent.
- This message was repeated to all American Consulates in China by the Ambassador on August 28 in a circular telegram for action and report.↩