124.93/360: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, September 22, 1937—6
p.m.
[Received September 22—12:25 p.m.]
[Received September 22—12:25 p.m.]
700. Department’s 255, September 21.
- 1.
- I returned today to Embassy premises with staff.
- 2.
- Department’s September 21, 5 p.m.60
- (a)
- I have not been to Wuhu.
- (b)
- I and staff with exception of Paxton who remained at office to keep contact with ship and authorities ashore have been on Luzon which at all times has been anchored off bund within 20 minutes ride by motorcar of Embassy premises. Wuhu was considered as a possible destination if Japanese bombed harbor and waterfront as then seemed probable, as there is telephone connection between Wuhu and Nanking.
- (c)
- I have been in communication with Paxton at all times by telephone from river front 10 minutes from ship.
- (d)
- Associated Press statement is incorrect in saying I was going on board of Luzon under orders of the Department. I did say that I was unhappy as it was the first time I had left my office in 30 years service. I said that under the circumstances I did not feel I could remain at my post on premises and subject my [staff?] to possible danger and that for this reason I was taking them with me and expected to maintain offices afloat at Nanking and contact with Government. I tried to make it clear that I was not leaving Nanking.
- (e)
- I hope that the Department will make it clear that I had returned to premises prior to receiving Department’s 255, September 21.
- (f)
- Bombs from Japanese aircraft had fallen within walls of Nanking on the 19th, see my 686, September 19, noon, and my 688, September 20, 8 a.m. and on the 20th, see my 691, September 20, 2 p.m.61
- (g)
- I had not consulted my colleagues before sending my September 19, 11 p.m., I later informed them of my decision. They themselves told me that Italian Embassy would go aboard merchantman previously chartered; German would remain having no vessel; Soviet Ambassador would remain for same reason; French were already sleeping on French gunboat; British were staying. British subsequently put staff on gunboat, Chargé d’Affaires Howe and Military Attaché remaining ashore prepared to come off if conditions required.
Johnson