893.00/5–2347: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 24—4:10 a.m.]
110. Reference my 94, May 22 to Nanking.16 Marines intended to send motorcars yesterday from Chinwangtao to Peitaiho to take away any Americans who wished to leave, but were prevented by sporadic fighting. At 5 a.m. Marine detachment Chinwangtao reported fairly heavy action going on between Chinwangtao and Peitaiho junction. Peitaiho beach reported quiet. A Marine LCI has been sent from Chinwangtao to stand off Peitaiho beach to take away the four Americans, about four British, eight or nine French, a few others who might wish to leave. I have sent message through Marines strongly advising [Page 141] Americans to take advantage of this opportunity to leave. British Consul General has sent similar information to his nationals.
Information from Marine G–2,16a local and other sources indicates that it would be highly inadvisable for Americans to remain in Peitaiho in foreseeable future. Consulate General had accordingly sent notice to Americans here strongly advising, in view of this situation in general vicinity of Peitaiho, that American citizens should not proceed to Peitaiho pending further notice. It is recommended that Consular offices at Shanghai and Peiping should similarly advise Americans who plan to go to Peitaiho, and that this office should be consulted in the future regarding the situation current there.
Sent to Nanking as Tientsin serial 96; repeated Department as 110, Shanghai as 98 and Mukden, Peiping.