893.00/1–2749: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 27—10:57 a. m.]
271. Heavy troop movements in area and mass exodus Government personnel from Nanking causing serious disruption service on Nanking–Shanghai [Page 91] and Shanghai–Hangchow–Ningpo railways. In past few days trains vastly overcrowded, running many hours late. Many of regularly scheduled passenger trains have been taken off run with military take-over facilities. Railway administration officials admit inability handle situation which is described as one of complete and unparalleled confusion and disorder. Terminals jammed, resulting in many accidents daily. Director Mint here has told Consulate General officer [that] 1,200 Ministry Finance employees passing through Shanghai en route Foochow.
Recent calm, which has pervaded Shanghai, now giving place to increasing nervousness over possibility of all-out defense attempt or of looting, disintegrating soldiery. Although armed deserters and stragglers on increase, garrison said to be making determined effort round up such elements. City remains at least superficially quiet with no immediate cause for alarm.
Sent Nanking 212, repeated Department 271.