125.0093/2–1849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)39
241. Dept plans close Manila staging camp March 1. Dept feels return US State dependents on separation allowance most desirable course.
[Page 1230]It will not appear from Embassy reports that open hostilities likely to occur in Lower Yangtze but peaceful turnover cannot be counted on and therefore Dept of opinion not justified this time authorize general return dependents from Manila or US to posts China already evacuated. However, Dept will consider individual recommendations from Emb for dependents whose sponsors strongly desire their return China and willing assume full responsibility.
No dependents should proceed without receiving Dept’s prior authority for travel to US or return to China.
Dept believes Amb will wish apply same regulation to dependents service attachés and decision other posts will be made after consultation each CG concerned.
Sent Nanking repeated Manila and all China posts.
Emb should remember in making recommendations that whatever treatment recommended for dependents FS personnel will also be accorded dependents American business missionary personnel whose work likewise in American interests.
- Repeated to the Consul General at Shanghai as No. 313.↩