393.1115/585: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, September 7, 1937—7
p.m.
[Received September 7—12:40 p.m.]
[Received September 7—12:40 p.m.]
666. A press report dated Washington September 6th published here today quotes the President as having stated that all Americans, without exception, had been warned to leave China, that sufficient time would be given them to take advantage of the facilities for [Page 313] evacuation, and the Government would not be responsible for their protection if they chose to remain. Report concluded with statement that the President described the Sino-Japanese situation as an “awful mess”.
- 2.
- I understand the American Chamber of Commerce has telegraphed the Department after a meeting today.
- 3.
- Consulate General has summarized the Department’s 206 of September 2, 6 p.m., to the Embassy at Nanking, to Chamber of Commerce, Heads of Missions, and Emergency Committee at Shanghai. We have continued to advise withdrawal particularly of women and children but there is no large exodus. We are endeavoring to give our advice quietly and not to disturb the general situation here. We have lately been placing greatest emphasis on advice to Americans in the interior to withdraw. I have told inquirers that those of us who remain here do so on our own responsibility, pointing out that while our Navy and Marine Forces are doing everything possible for our protection no government can guarantee the safety of its nationals here or elsewhere in China.
Sent to the Department, repeated to Nanking.
Gauss