893.00/11–1748: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 17—6 a. m.]
2239. As straw-in-wind, member Legislative Yuan reports to Embassy officer, Yuan was informed November 15 special session Government has not yet decided whether defend or abandon Nanking. All members living in non-Communist territory were advised return to their homes.
Naval Attaché14 has report from member Generalissimo’s personal secretariat, usually reliable source, that Generalissimo has decided attempt at least temporary defence of capital. If forced leave he will depart with small staff for Nanchang and if necessary thence to Heng-yang and finally Canton.
Sent Department 2239, repeated Canton 89.
- Capt. Samuel B. Frankel.↩