793.94/15142: Telegram
The Consul at Foochow (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:50 p.m.]
Upon the receipt of information of the Japanese declaration of their intention to attack Foochow I called a meeting of the leading American citizens in Foochow at the Consulate at 2 p.m. today to inform them of the situation and to attempt to persuade any who were willing to leave the port to do so. It was pointed out that they were endangered by (1) the then stated determination of the Chinese to destroy the city, and (2) looting and mob violence after the collapse of police authority. Americans now here appear determined, however, to remain, although arrangements have been made for moving some of the American residents of the city proper over to Nantai Island.
[Page 348]The British Consul held a similar meeting at 5 p.m. inviting me to attend informally and unofficially. I did so but took no part in the discussion. Only two or three British subjects were willing to leave Foochow although a number will concentrate at their Consulate. The British Consul hopes to be able to bring up 10 or 12 sailors from H. M. S. Duchess at Sharp Peak for the protection of his nationals. He appears to believe that British shipping will comply with the Japanese warning although H. M. S. Duchess may not do so.
Sent to Peiping, repeated to Chungking, Shanghai.