811.3393/1–2549: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 25—1:36 a. m.]
44. Based on directives from CNO received January 22 and 23, Adm. Badger January 23 ordered subordinate commands as follows (summary): Marine ground units commence embarking 27, complete loading February 7 except 200 men to be barracked 1 Kuangsi Road (naval barracks) as military police; Marine air base operations including GCA8 equipment January 31, complete embarking February 7; sea planes base intended use shore ramp only if directed; naval shore facilities which included USMAG reduced by February 7 to small recreation unit plus maintenance and transport to operate officers’ club, enlisted men’s club and barracks all remaining shore based units to be prepared speedy evacuation if ordered; additional company Marines remain Tsingtao barracked on transport, thus total 500 Marines remain here ashore and afloat; Marine fighter base on escort carrier which will remain Badger’s control until released by him; ship based Marines [Page 1196] except one company mentioned aboye will remain here only temporarily; 9th Marines at Shanghai remain there based on transport.
CNO directed 150 artillery men to Guam, bulk Marine ground forces to Camp Pendleton, bulk air transport complement to Cherry Point.
Lease on Shantung unit [Univ.?] compound to be cancelled 1 month’s notice when shore to ship move begins. Edgewater closing January 31 to be returned to railway authorities from whom leased. YMCA to continue functioning.
Badger forbidden by CNO make public statement on move, publicity to be handled by State and Navy Departments. He feels statement essential at time move begun (January 27), otherwise press will print story US now completely abandoning Tsingtao. From local point view, I concur statement regarding reduction desirable to minimize disturbances by elements which according Provost Marshal have past week created increasing number incidents including large melee near enlisted men’s club early evening January 23.
Repeated Nanking 43.
- Ground Control Approach.↩