125.267/8–1749: Telegram
The Chargé in China ( Clark ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 17—12:52 p. m.]
Cantel 971. As matter courtesy, I informed George Yeh, acting Foreign Minister, that Consulate General [at] Canton will be closed as of close business Friday, August 19, and that on Saturday, August 20, I would remove to Hong Kong, maintaining Embassy office open and commuting daily to maintain contact with Government.
Yeh was shocked by suddenness disclosure and insists threat Canton is not as great as portrayed by my military advisors. He is making inquiry and will let me know tomorrow Nationalist Government analysis military situation. Doubt this can change matters as his sources will be those tapped by my military advisors.