393.1163/1075

Memorandum by the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck)

[Extract]

Generally speaking, adoption and application of the policy of bringing about withdrawal from China of American nationals who are not especially needed there has, in my opinion, served certain useful purposes.

However, I do not perceive that rigid pursuit of that policy, in connection with cases of individual Americans who are in China, who have serious business there, who persistently desire to remain there, and whose presence there is not especially likely to cause complications which would be embarrassing to this Government, serves any very useful purpose.

Were there any imminent likelihood that steps will be taken either by this Government or by the Japanese which will create a situation of greater peril to American nationals in China than that which has prevailed during more than three years past, I would incline to the view that we should be very stiff and rigid in pursuit of the policy of getting our nationals out (both from China and from Japan). I perceive no such likelihood.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

S[tanley] K. H[ornbeck]