393.1115/3172: Telegram
The Consul at Foochow (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:35 a.m.]
One hundred American nationals (43 men, 53 women, 4 children) are now in this consular district, 63 of whom (including self and naval radio-man) are in Foochow, remaining 37 being distributed among interior points as follows: Chungan 1, Diongloh 2, Futsing 3, Ingtai 3, Kiehnow 8, Kienyang 1, Kutien 5, Mintsing 2, Nanping 3, Pucheng 1, Putien 5, Shangowu 1, Sienku 2.
If and when attack on Foochow begins, river barrier will probably be closed, making evacuation of Americans then here impossible. Some Americans might be willing to leave before beginning of the attack, but great majority will doubtless refuse to go.
It is therefore very desirable that Tsangchienshan, the area in which majority of the foreigners in Foochow live, should, in case of attack on the city, be regarded by both combatants as a temporary safety zone. If recognition of this fact on the part of the Japanese command and of local military authorities could be assured in advance (without implying any abatement of the obligation to respect American lives and property wherever they may be) it would be feasible to concentrate as many Americans in that area as could be prevailed upon to leave their present posts.
British Consul to whom I informally broached the subject yesterday appears to be in full agreement, and I am confidentially informed that Government has received an order from Hankow regarding steps to be taken to safeguard foreign lives with which this suggestion would accord.
It is respectfully suggested that, if the Embassy regards such action desirable, and if there are no other objections to such a course, steps be taken to communicate in the premises with the Japanese authorities, and this Consulate be authorized to take appropriate action locally.
Maps of Nantai Island and Foochow City showing location of all American property are being prepared and will be transmitted as soon as possible.
To Hankow. Repeated to Department, Peiping and Shanghai.