893.00/13884: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 9—6:44 a.m.]
15. My 13, January 8, 6 p.m. British Embassy here has received a telegram from Captain Scott at Sian stating that the evacuation [Page 551] of some 40 foreigners, mainly women and children, of whom about 30 British, others including Americans, is “required” and that road is difficult. He suggests evacuation by air and is taking up matter with authorities at Sian.
British Embassy officials here state that Scott’s request has been referred to its Embassy at Nanking for action, with the suggestion that it cooperate with the American Embassy there in making arrangements to evacuate foreigners at Sian by air. British Military Attaché is leaving for Loyang tomorrow morning by air.
Repeated to Nanking, Hankow and Shanghai.