793.94/14271: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2—1:38 p.m.]
39. In an interview with press representatives yesterday the Japanese Consul General is reported to have said that the situation with regard to the Pearl River would be the same as that on the Yangtze; no foreign vessels would be permitted to proceed to or from Hong Kong for a number of weeks but Japanese vessels would soon bring in cargoes of foodstuffs and supplies. When foreigners did go out to Hong Kong they would probably not be permitted to return. He added that the Japanese would not hinder the establishment of a local government by the Chinese but would prefer that the status quo (with the Japanese military in power) should continue for the present.
There have been movements of Japanese troops the past 2 days northward, of [on?] the Canton-Hankow Bailroad, and south toward Samshui. Apparently defenses against guerrilla attacks are being [Page 195] constructed all around Canton and sandbag defenses are placed in the streets at the posts occupied by guard units.
Please inform Mrs. C. J. Armentrout, Warrensburg, Missouri, her daughter Lois is well and safe.
Repeated to Chungking, Peiping, Hong Kong.