124.936/9–1348: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
1302. Reurtel 1556, August 23. Instructions contained final paragraph Deptel 1199, August 15 [18] not intended vitiate Amb’s authority decide partial or total evacuation any given consular office. As Emb should be aware, Amb’s authority does not extend ordering American citizens (other than Govt employees) evacuate any given city or area but only advising such evacuation. In case dependents officers employees Amb may issue travel orders which are authorizations for encumbering Govt funds. Notify Dept by TM any travel authorized. As in case other private citizens not Govt employ, dependents [Page 824] can disregard warning evacuate and not compelled take advantage opportunity afforded. Decision dependents refrain from evacuating will not be reflected adversely Depts personnel records but persons who decide disregard warning should take step only with full knowledge possibilities inherent in situation after assuming full responsibility such action. Concerned consulates should be informed in above sense.