393.115/521: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Myers) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26—8:25 a.m.]
This office has received from the Senior Consul a copy of a letter of November 23rd from the Japanese Consul General. Japanese forces are beginning to bombard from the air Chinese troops in the area surrounded by a line connecting Yeungkong, Wuchow, Linhsien, Shiuchow, Lungnam, Hoyuen and Hoifong and repeating the request which has been made by Japanese authorities on numerous occasions that nationals of the various countries located within the indicated area should have distinguishing marks on their properties which can be clearly seen from the air.
In reply to the Japanese Consul General I have, in addition to requesting that adequate steps be taken to avoid endangering the lives and properties of American citizens, called attention to the fact owing to interrupted communications it is not possible to communicate with American citizens in that area within a reasonable time, that American citizens registered at this Consulate General have on previous occasions been advised to put distinguishing marks on their properties and that there are 80 registered American citizens in this area besides possibly others who have not been so registered.
This office is sending a circular notice to American citizens in the area indicated apprising them of the Japanese request and advising American citizens particularly women and children, who find it practicable to do so to seek places of safety.
Sent to Chungking; repeated to Hong Kong for repetition to Yunnanfu.