893.00/12–648: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 6—4:06 a. m.]
2426. Since November 7, at rough estimates, something over 300,000 residents have already departed Nanking because of Communist threat to city. Approximately 200,000 others now thought waiting depart. Evacuees consist mostly of dependents higher officials, including military, and wealthy merchants and dependents. Poorer classes in south city, largely natives Nanking, exhibit strong tendency remain.
Shanghai, Hangchow, and Hankow are immediate objectives, whence refugees proceed Nanchang, Changsha, Canton, Taiwan, or west China, but especially Canton. Many evacuees heading for homes of relatives in country and inconspicuous small towns.
Uncertainties coal supply have forced shipping companies into irregular services from Nanking. China Merchants [Co.] alone states its reservations list totals over 5,000. Nanking–Shanghai railroad—only now operating from Nanking—most congested, and luggage for shipment accumulating far in excess of handling facilities. Several commercial truck companies offer facilities to Shanghai, Hangchow, Nanchang, Changsha, with rates to Hangchow gold yuan 400 passenger and gold yuan 10,000 whole truck or about US $10 and 250 respectively at black market Nanking rates.
Air facilities Nanking–Shanghai irregular, when planes come from Shanghai tickets sold in morning and planes return in afternoon. [Page 628] Reservations for Hankow or Chungking said already booked up to next April and no further reservations made.
Rumor is now current that commencing November [December?] 10, Government will commandeer all transport facilities from Nanking to evacuate Government personnel.