393.1115/548: Telegram
The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)7
[Received September 6—1 p.m.]
0906. In furtherance of the Government’s policy that United States citizens should leave disturbed areas where practicable it has been decided to evacuate from China all naval dependents as early as possible. Following plan will be carried out: after current visit Gold Star to Kobe all naval dependents will be evacuated to Manila from whence those so desiring will be transferred to the United States as rapidly as transportation becomes available. Marblehead will relieve Canopus about 22 September when latter will leave for Manila with dependents. Chaumont after discharging Shanghai will make Chefoo and Tsingtao then Manila via Hong Kong. Canopus and Chaumont will make additional trips as necessary. Henderson will arrive 16 October and make usual circuit of Asiatic Station before returning home. Sacramento will be used for evacuating from South China if required. Dependents in river ports leave through Canton and Hong Kong to Manila by naval or commercial ships.
Dependents will be instructed that evacuation is obligatory and not a matter of personal choice. Personnel may of course make private arrangements to leave by other means provided this does not delay departure. Many traveling by naval ships will necessarily be subjected to some discomfort due to crowding. Senior officers in areas will be allocated spaces and will see that assignments made are used except in real emergencies in which case dependents should evacuate earliest opportunity. It is expected that all hands will appreciate the difficulties of this situation and will carry out the plan with traditional efficiency and good nature. Details will be transmitted shortly.
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩