Nanking Embassy Files, Lot 55F174, Evacuation and Emergency Planning
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to Consular Officers in China
Sirs: Reference is made to the Embassy’s secret circular telegram of May 26, 1948, 10 AM65 concerning evacuation of American personnel and/or effects from all posts in China.
Numbered paragraph one of that telegram, according to instructions from the Department, is hereby amended in the following sense:
The authority of the Ambassador on evacuation does not extend to ordering American citizens other than Government employees to evacuate [Page 844] any given city or area, but only to advising such evacuation. In the case of dependents of officers and employees, the Ambassador may issue travel orders which are authorizations for encumbering Government funds and the Department should be notified by T. M.66 of any travel authorized. As in the case of other private citizens not in Government employ, dependents can disregard the warning to evacuate and are not compelled to take advantage of the opportunity afforded. The decision of dependents to refrain from evacuating will not be reflected adversely in the Department’s personnel records, but persons who decide to disregard the warning should take this step only with full knowledge of the possibilities inherent in the situation after assuming full responsibility for such action.
Very truly yours,
Minister-Counselor