393.0015/10–2948: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30—2:03 a.m.]
410. For Minister.34 Reur memorandum October 1935 re tentative evacuation plan ComNavWesPac dated October 2, reference particularly concept indicated second paragraph that evacuation task unit would be built around one rifle company charged with establishing local defenses around field and protecting evacuees arriving at field, make following observations.
- (1)
- West Field where operation is planned is presently under control Chinese military who all probability would not cede control American armed force.
- (2)
- Cautious planning would make it fundamental and it is implicit in entire plan as presented that Peiping and area (including field) would still be securely in Nationalists’ hands at time evacuation in which case Nationalist police and military protection would be adequate.
- (3)
- In event contrary is case, it is obvious that (a) one rifle company would be unable provide safe operation airfield against hostile force equipped machine guns, mortars and artillery and (b) since as stated in plan there is no intention send armed forces into Peiping which is 7 miles from field. In event situation Peiping was already so critical that control of field itself was hazardous, travel of persons from/to airfield would hardly be feasible. Presence of rifle company in short would in all probability introduce unnecessary complication into situation, would not be able contribute substantially to stabilization [Page 870] of a deteriorated military situation Peiping and in event clash would possibly result serious embarrassment to US Government and very probably endanger (by retaliative Communist action) safety of at least those foreign Nationalists [nationals?] remaining Peiping who either had chosen in first instance remain or had been unable evacuate as result confusion and perils attending attempt evacuation in immediate presence hostile forces.
I recommend most strongly project for sending armed forces Peiping area connection projected operation be abandoned.
Sent Nanking 609, repeated Department, Tientsin and Tsingtao.