893.00/11–248: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2—5:19 a.m.]
2062. We found Admiral Badger fully prepared assist logistics evacuation JUSMAG dependents, our 2053, November l.37 That phase of problem should therefore be well in hand.
We plan, therefore, unless Department directs to contrary, to send each registered American Nanking consular district note of warning as follows with idea that copies would be available to press as of noon November 5 unless speculation aroused by current packing activities of JUSMAG dependents makes prior release seem desirable:
“Military developments in North China make it appear possible that hostilities may spread further south with the result that normal transportation facilities between Nanking and its environs and the sea may be disrupted. Also with the approach of winter and the increasingly acute shortage of food supplies and fuel those remaining in Nanking and its environs may be subjected to undue hardships.
Accordingly it is suggested that unless you have no [a] compelling reason to remain you consider the desirability of evacuation while normal transportation facilities remain available.”
As the Hankow consular district has available an alternative exit via the Canton-Hankow Railway, we are not issuing a warning for that area for the time being; likewise we feel that such a warning in Shanghai may be delayed somewhat. Unless conditions change, however, which we do not anticipate, we will plan issue a warning through the Hankow Consulate General possibly next week and one through Consulate General Shanghai shortly thereafter.38 From a logistical point of view Admiral Badger has suggested a [staggering?] of the warnings.