840.48 Refugees/12–1348: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 14—1:57 p.m.]
2755. ReEmbtel 1231, December 9,14 evacuation foreign nationals. Statement mytel 199015 that Navy may be unable help other foreign communities even in emergency based on statement ComNav port facilities Shanghai December 1 who was unwilling assume any particular obligation to foreign nationals in view then existing uncertainty as to amount tonnage which would be available to him for evacuation purposes. In light Admiral Badger’s recent statements and stationing of Commander Task Force 78 at Shanghai under revised plan with assurances of augmented space for evacuation purposes, outlook for alien nationals who may be entirely dependent on US facilities in emergency [Page 935] somewhat brighter. However, no specific obligation is being assumed to any aliens other than closely related dependents of American citizens and specified key alien employees of a few American organizations. Consulate General and Navy will make it clear that assistance, if any, which may be granted to other aliens must be on “means available, space available” basis. It is expected that this qualification, plus severe limitations on granting of priority status of aliens, will discourage foreign nationals from entertaining unwarranted hopes of US Naval assistance.
Navy has indicated no special concern over documentation of aliens with valid visas since presumption is that evacuation if to point outside Chinese territory would be to temporary safe haven under US military occupation when commanding officer could waive visa requirement.
Sent Nanking 2066, repeated Department 2755, Tsingtao 174.