390.1115A/1778: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 22—1 p.m.]
509. Embassy has informed Kweilin that it has authority under various instructions from Department to advise American civilians to withdraw in ample time from localities which Consulate considers might be threatened. As regards question raised by Kweilin in its despatch to Department No. 15, March 7, of measures being taken in consultation with American Army authorities for protection of American civilians at Kweilin in event of enemy attack by air-borne troops, Embassy has (1) pointed out to Kweilin that use of arms against enemy forces should be restricted to military personnel and that non-military personnel using arms against enemy forces are likely to be deprived of right of treatment as prisoners of war if captured by enemy; and (2) instructed Kweilin to discuss this matter with military officers with whom Consulate has been conferring on plans for protection of non-military Americans there in event of attack.