393.1115/3374: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 11—2:05 p.m.]
347. Reuter reports today from Shanghai a statement by Japanese spokesman that Japanese consular authorities have addressed note to Consuls of third powers requesting evacuation of nationals from Hankow, Kiukiang, Kuling, Nanchang, Changsha and Yochow. Japanese military authorities have from time to time been informed of presence of American citizens at Kiukiang, Hankow, Kuling and other places. It is at present time physically impossible for removal of American citizens from Kuling even if they wished to leave and Japanese must know this. There are no Chinese military concentrations at Kuling. Foreign population at Hankow could not be evacuated entirely. Japanese must know this. Japanese military have been informed of presence here of Americans, of the places where they will be and it is not necessary that their lives be endangered as they threaten. I hope that such reply may be made as will definitely inform Japanese military that such American nationals as now remain in these places cannot leave and that we expect the Japanese to do everything possible for their safety.
Repeated to Shanghai. Shanghai please relay to Tokyo.