793.94/14018: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 7—8 a.m.]
Department’s October 5, 6 p.m.6 Local officials state it has been verified that Japanese transports referred to are now at Formosa. No other news concerning them has been received here. The weather [Page 491] in South China is at present very unsettled with typhoons in several localities.
British official and mercantile circles in Hong Kong are reported in Canton to believe that an invasion of South China is imminent. The Chinese authorities express confidence in their ability to defend South China. It is reported that Kwangtung recently sent 2 divisions of troops to the front but that 3 more divisions which were intended for the front are being held here for the present.
With reference to my June 15, 4 p.m., I would repeat that if a land invasion should occur a general evacuation of Americans should be urged at once and it is believed that most of the women and children would leave voluntarily; many of the missionaries especially the priests and best of the doctors would however insist upon remaining unless the invading forces came to their immediate vicinity; that the invasion would place those Americans in outlying portions of this district in little more danger than they are at present.
The situation is being closely watched and all Americans will be urged to leave if an invasion begins.
More than 75 Japanese planes yesterday raided Kwangtung and Kwangsi, many bombs were dropped on the 2 railways and the Canton-Hankow Railway was temporarily out of commission but train will run tonight.
- Not printed.↩