393.1115/11–2648: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26—2:24 a.m.]
2529. ReDeptel 2004, November 23, 8 p.m.78 I do not think Department’s position is substantially different from that taken by Consulate General in either public or private discussions with American residents here. Consulate General has regularly pointed out that although risks are involved, it is undesirable for Americans to evacuate if their presence in China is essential to continued functioning of US business, educational, missionary or other enterprises. Evacuation is urged of dependents and other persons whose presence here is not essential.
Only difference in emphasis of Department and Consulate General appears in case of Consulate General dependents, especially children, whose evacuation I have urged as necessary to set example to community. I have in no case required such evacuation. With regard to evacuation members of staff itself, I have thought primarily in terms of reassuring nervous members of staff and of possible temporary removal in case situation deteriorated to point emergency measures become necessary.
Reference to “possible repatriation and exchange arrangements” refers to possibility that, after Communists take over, international war involving China might break out or possibility Chinese Communists might use American residents as hostages to stop our aid program. While I trust these possibilities are remote, I do not think we can overlook them in our planning.
In counselling private American citizens, we have to deal both with those who are inclined to underestimate risks involved and those who, having in many cases had bitter experience in 1941, are determined to leave now regardless of positions they will leave unfilled. It was to persuade the, Shanghai Power [Co.] officials to stay rather than to urge them to go that I gave them assurance they requested.
My despatch No. 981 of November 23 will throw further light on my thinking in this matter.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 1901.