893.00/11–1248: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State50
[Received November 12—12:43 p.m.]
2188. Present indications are that Generalissimo intends defend Nanking. Meanwhile there is gradual general breakdown law and order in city with some mob violence in form looting foodshops. Police are beginning lose control of situation and are failing to report for duty. We anticipate pronounced increase in civil disturbances, particularly as fighting nears city and similar disorders in other cities [Page 881] still under Government control. Possibility exists rioting may take anti-foreign turn, but this not yet evident. Martial law just declared may temporarily ameliorate this situation.
Evacuation JUSMAG dependents will be complete by end week and movement made personnel will begin shortly thereafter. Naval vessels now available here for evacuation Americans and other foreign nationals to Shanghai, with first sailing November 15. Destroyer with complement Marines will arrive here shortly for evacuation protection American lives as might be required in emergency.
Embassy classified files being placed on board naval vessel for safekeeping and will be returned to Embassy when conditions permit. On receipt reply our 106 to Tokyo, repeated Department 2152,51 we will make firm plans evacuate dependents, female, and nonessential personnel. If impossible evacuate to Japan, they will probably be embarked in naval vessels in emergency with destination determined later. Arrangements are being concluded with Sino Supreme Headquarters for assignment Chinese military police guards for Embassy compounds and houses.
Preliminary evacuation warnings are in effect Peiping, Tientsin, Hankow and Shanghai consular districts. On November 10 we informed Peiping and Tientsin desirability persuading all persons resident those districts who may desire leave that evacuation on emergency basis may prove impossible and that advantage should be taken of presently available sea transport from Tientsin provided by ComNavWesPac. We are asking Navy provide water transport from Hankow and Kiukiang to Shanghai on non-emergency basis. If this transport can be made available we shall ask ConGen Hankow urge those Americans desiring leave to make use of it.
Evacuation nonofficial Americans and other nationalities as presently proceeding will result in their concentration Tsingtao and Shanghai. Current shortage commercial shipping makes their onward movement, particularly to US, virtually impossible. We are attempting ascertain numbers desiring return States and believe Navy will be able furnish shipping on receipt firm estimate numbers desiring passage. Also ComNavWesPac informs us ability furnish transportation from Shanghai on emergency basis.
We are most grateful for funds made available in Deptel 157552 and believe they will be most useful at later date.