390.1115A/12–944: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:15 p.m.]
1983. British Embassy states that nonessential unofficial British civilians in Chungking and outlying areas are being privately advised to withdraw: (Reurtel 1596, December 7, paragraph 3); that steps are being taken to prevent the coming to China of further nonessential persons; and that steps will be taken shortly looking to the withdrawal of nonessential Government personnel. (British non-Government civilians in Chungking and vicinity number approximately 18.) Embassy states also that British subjects in Kweiyang area are being withdrawn and some 60 of them are now in Kunming awaiting transportation to India. No action taken so far as regards British subjects at Chengtu, numbering about 100, and British residents of Yunnan Province but nonessential persons in Yunnan will be asked to leave after Kweichow refugees proceed to India.
American missionaries at Chengtu have approached Penfield on their own initiative and requested arrangements be made for transportation to India of nonessential persons.