393.1115/4–2149: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 21—6:35 a. m.]
1295. Admiral Badger today sent me a draft telegram to Embassy pointing out incidents with British ships seriously affected Navy’s plans evacuate American civilians down narrow Whangpoo in thin-skinned ships. His telegram urged further evacuation American civilians and implied further warning should be issued.
At further conference with him regarding this draft I agreed incidents required reexamination question. I pointed out, however, any announcement naval units might be withdrawn before turnover in city, after what he had announced in December and sending of Marines to Shanghai, would be strongly criticized both by American community and many others. I suggested we should wait to see what attitude Communists take regarding incidents with British and what British (few of whom have evacuated) do thereafter. Badger left question withdrawal all naval units at Shanghai prior Communist takeover more open than he did yesterday; he indicated his decision would depend circumstances and emphasized his primary concern was early completion any civilian evacuation that was to take place plus fulfillment his instructions regarding non-involvement in hostilities.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 745.