Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1939, The Far East; The Near East and Africa, Volume IV

393.1115/4055: Telegram

The Vice Consul at Hankow (Davies) to the Secretary of State

Kiukiang, February 14, 1939—8 p.m.
[Received February 14—7:19 p.m.]

1. Informed Japanese consular and military authorities today in writing of substance of the message from Kuling relayed in Chungking’s 95, February 11, 5 p.m.,⁹⁶ but stated that as the Kuling message was sent before postponement of the Japanese attack was announced it is not to be construed as indicating that no Americans will evacuate if an opportunity is made available. I further stated in harmony with the Department’s February 13, 7 p.m., that the American Government “wishes it to be clearly understood that it cannot consider as binding any ‘time limit’ set by the Japanese military on the withdrawal of Americans from Kuling”. In conclusion reservations regarding Japanese responsibility for American lives and property were set forth.

2. A Chinese messenger left this morning bearing American and British messages to Kuling (not to be issued to press). I addressed a circular to American citizens there informing them: (1) their telegram referred to above received; (2) Japanese attack postponed until February 21; (3) efforts are being made to secure Chinese cooperation for evacuation of those desiring to leave; (4) Japanese desire concentration of all foreigners at one place, but in event [of attack] Japanese informed of two American concentration centers.

3. With this circular I enclosed a letter and translation of it to the Commander of the Chinese forces on Kuling to be delivered to him if the Americans should so desire. The letter began: “I have the honor to request your assistance in facilitating the withdrawal from Lushan of those American citizens who wish to leave the mountain. The American Embassy at Chungking has already requested the Central Government to issue instructions to the competent authorities to enable the evacuation from Lushan of Americans who [wish] to depart. Due to the present uncertainties of communications, these instructions may have miscarried. I therefore venture to address you directly asking that you be so good as to extend appropriate assistance to those Americans who desire to pass through the Chinese lines en route to Kiukiang”. The letter concluded with a request that arrangements be made for a party of four American and British officials to pass through Chinese lines to assist evacuation.

4. The Japanese have offered to scatter from a plane circulars to foreigners on Kuling. The British officials here and we have prepared jointly such circulars containing much the same information outlined in paragraph 2.⁹⁷

Sent to Hankow, repeated to Chungking, Peiping, Shanghai.

Davies

96. Not printed; it reported that weather and other conditions prevented the evacuation of Kuling and that Americans were concentrated there in the hospital and school (393.1115/4047).
97. This plan was abandoned.