893.00/5–2849: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 29—4:44 a. m.]
217. Despite telegram from Governor Chin Teh-chun [from] Canton May 27 to Municipal Council, stating Nationalist Government decided hold Tsingtao, evacuation Nationalist forces proceeding apace to be completed May 30 if on schedule; number of loaded ships sailed last night. Police authority boarding ship 29 with portion police force. Curfew 8 p. m. to 8 a. m. enforced from evening May 27. Few persons on street view fear male conscription. Prices skyrocketed May 27 after sinking to record lows morning May 26; reasons are closing majority shops and seizure godown stocks by military and police.
Consul General held meeting American citizens this morning to learn plans each organization, individual; offered sanctuary event serious disorders to women and children and others without property obligations. Have facilities billet, feed considerable number people within Consulate General which relatively secure.
Sent Nanking 162; repeated OffEmb Canton 68, Department 217.