393.1115/309: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)
199. Your 528, August 26, noon,93 paragraph 2. The Department continues of the opinion that American nationals, particularly women and children and those men whose services are not urgently required, should as promptly as possible proceed to places of safety from all areas where danger threatens or where avenues of exit may cease to exist.
With reference to detailed plans for evacuation, the Department must, particularly in cases of emergency, leave the formulation and execution of such plans to the competent American officials on the spot. With regard to such matters as for example the possible use [Page 300] of “international trains,” as mentioned in your telegram under reference, the Department believes that initial consideration and evolving of plans must be left to American officials in China in consultation with the concerned representatives there of other countries. The Embassy and consular officers in China should, of course, continue to cooperate and consult fully with each other and with other American officials, particularly the Commander-in-Chief.
- Not printed.↩