393.1115/6–1547: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
796. Picture given by Embassy of evacuation problem in China appreciated and Dept agrees with Embassy assumptions in penultimate paragraph regarding desirability continuing place burden responsibility protection American life and property on Chinese civil authorities rather than risk undermining such authority through unnecessary stationing naval vessels along China coast prior to actual need therefor (Embtel 1308 June 15).
War Dept states no facilities exist on US-occupied Pacific islands such as Okinawa and Guam except through use tents, which [Page 207] would be advisable only on strictly emergency and very temporary basis. Same situation exists in Philippines with respect to US facilities and Dept does not consider desirable evacuation large numbers Americans to Philippines. Only possible destination for civilian evacuees in Pacific is Hawaii, where War Dept says only limited emergency accommodations probably involving segregation sexes could be provided in unconverted mobilization barracks. Housing of type used by army dependents is not available. Dept feels, however, it would be preferable in event wholesale evacuation to return evacuees to US where housing and food problems would cease be responsibility US Govt and any plan for such action should include US as final destination.
Decision for evacuation from specific areas to points of safety in China should rest, as heretofore, with Embassy and Consulates concerned.
If situation deteriorates to point where wholesale evacuation becomes distinct possibility, Embassy should discuss matter with Army and Navy representatives in China. If agreement for wholesale evacuation reached after such discussions, appropriate action should be taken by Embassy and Consulates in conjunction with Army and Navy representatives and Dept informed accordingly. If no agreement on necessity for such evacuation, Embassy should forward its recommendations to Dept, together with Army and Navy views, for final decision here.
Suggest Embassy initiate in Executive Office necessary preliminary planning to ensure coordination with appropriate Army and Navy commands in event local as well as wholesale evacuation.