390.1115A/1: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (Butrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 9—1:05 p.m.]
1058. Department’s 381, October 6, 6 [2] p.m. to Tokyo, withdrawal of Americans from the Far East. In addition to those booked to sail on American President Lines vessels now fully booked for this year on present schedules, conversations with heads of American missions and firms here indicate that approximately 1000 Americans principally women and children would leave this consular district immediately if transportation were available. Probably another 200 unable to defray cost of their own passages would leave if free passages or loans were made available. Missions and firms are not inclined in most cases to request [their?] male employees to leave except for reasons of health or because regular leave is due in near future.
There are approximately 400 Philippine citizens in Shanghai and instructions are requested whether they should be advised to leave for the Philippines. At least 80 percent of the Filipinos here would be unable to pay their own passage and would require assistance.
The number of persons who will evacuate will depend largely on the trend of events, particularly when ships are scheduled to sail. In this connection, if at any future time the United States Marines should be ordered out of Shanghai, it is suggested that if possible the announcement be made a few days prior to homeward sailings of vessels of the space available.
Sent to the Department; repeated to Chungking, Hong Kong and Manila High Commissioner.