393.1115/3–2549: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 25—6:56 a. m.]
999. Increasing pressure inquiries from American community made advisable release following statement given to local press today. Ambassador and Admiral Crawford approve action. Inquiries have been made of the Consulate General regarding its attitude towards the return of American dependents to Shanghai partly as a result of the return of a few dependents to Shanghai.
Despite the lull in the situation which now prevails, the Consulate General feels that it is still too soon to say that the emergency has [Page 1238] definitely passed. The basic considerations which gave rise to the evacuation warnings issued in November remain unchanged. While it is to be hoped that Shanghai will be spared the hazards of the tragic conflict which has swept over so much of China, this is still uncertain. Americans in Shanghai may face hazards and hardships in coming months whatever the outcome may be of the peace discussions. While temporary visits from nearby places of safety may not be unduly hazardous under present circumstances, it is too early as yet to say that dependents—particularly children—may safely return to this area. The position of those Americans who have remained here for compelling reasons might well be made more difficult by the return of dependents.
The Consulate General is confident that Americans will carefully weigh the above considerations before bringing dependents back. The responsibility for the decision in each case must rest—as in the original evacuation—with the individuals and families concerned. The Consulate General will make a more positive statement as soon as the situation has become sufficiently clear to permit this. All inquiries regarding the return of dependents have been answered in the above sense.
Sent Department 999, March 25; repeated Nanking 588, Canton 207.