393.1115/370: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 29—3:30 a.m.]
493. Department’s 135, August 7, 5 p.m., Nanking’s 528, August 26, noon and 545 [546], August 28, 3 p.m.,87 the latter quoting the Department’s 178, August 25, 7 p.m., to Nanking.
[Page 296]A questionnaire which the Embassy caused to be sent to American residents of Peiping a few days ago revealed that only a small number desire to leave, a majority of these being American-born Chinese (see Embassy’s 487, August 28, 1 p.m.88). It is very evident that great majority of the Americans now here desire to remain because of official, professional, cultural or business affiliations and also because they feel that the military situation in this immediate area is well in hand. I am therefore extremely doubtful whether any considerable number would leave unless there should be some sudden and drastic change for the worse in the situation, in which case rail transportation would probably not be available. Briefly stated, only a few desire to leave under the conditions that now obtain here, the remainder feeling that the military lines to the south, west and northwest will be firmly held. I am facilitating as much as possible the departure of those who desire to leave, but if the Embassy at Nanking or the Department desire me to issue a formal official advice to withdraw from Peiping I would like to have a specific instruction to that effect. Otherwise I shall deal with the situation as it develops from day to day. It is to be recognized that the present situation is such that it is quite difficult to foresee the future course of events with any degree of accuracy. Unless the Chinese should resort to air attacks on Peiping and especially on the Legation quarter or there should develop unexpected strength or aggressiveness in the Chinese military lines established to the south, west and northwest, there is a good prospect of complete evacuation not becoming necessary. A clarification of the Department’s and the Embassy’s view on the North China situation, especially as regards evacuation, would be greatly appreciated.
Sent to the Department and Nanking.