390.1115A/589: Telegram

The Consul at Shanghai (Stanton) to the Secretary of State

1779. Department’s 765, November 22, 3 p.m. to Tokyo regarding evacuation of American citizens. Following receipt of instructions that the American Marine detachment at Shanghai would be withdrawn59 this office on November 17 issued a notice to the local press which was also broadcast for the benefit of American citizens residing in the interior to the effect that approximately 200 berths would be available to American citizens desiring to evacuate on two American President Line vessels sailing the end of November. It was further stated that advices already issued to American citizens regarding evacuation remain unchanged. Since issuance of this notice approximately 75 Americans have booked to evacuate on the two vessels mentioned. There is still considerable space available on these vessels but the remaining Americans show little inclination to evacuate either now or in the near future. Does the Department desire this office to issue further and stronger advices?

Sent to the Department, repeated to Chungking and airmail to Tokyo.

Stanton
  1. See telegram No. 985, November 14, 2 p.m., p. 583.