390.1115A/356a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Rangoon (Brady)
The Department desires to have, without your further consulting local authorities, your opinion whether an extension to the political area in which you are stationed of the policy adopted in Japan, China, Hong Kong and French Indochina in regard to the suggested withdrawal of American women and children and men whose presence is not considered urgent or essential would have a disturbing effect locally or any significantly adverse effects upon the political situation within or relating to your area. Please keep in mind that this Government endeavors to carry out this policy in such a way as to avert the reading into it of sensational implications. As the welfare of American citizens abroad is, of course, a major concern of this Government, it may become necessary, as a precautionary measure, to suggest that American nationals of certain categories in your area return to the United States as they have from other areas in the Far East and in Europe where abnormal conditions obtain, and this Government must, of course, reserve freedom of action in this connection. It is, however, our desire to avoid, when and where feasible, action which might be prejudicial to the interests of friendly governments or to the general political situation, and this inquiry is being made with a view to the giving here of the fullest consideration to such various factors as may be involved before decision is made in regard to the question under discussion.
Identic telegrams are being sent to Singapore and Batavia.11
- Nos. 1 and 8, respectively.↩