393.1115/4–2349: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 23—4:47 a. m.]
1315. Following notice issued noon today:
“The Commander of the Shanghai Garrison has informed foreign representatives that Shanghai will be defended come what may. He advised the removal of foreign women and children to safer areas.”
The Consulate General has issued two warnings to American nationals suggesting that they leave Shanghai unless they have compelling reasons to remain. It assumes that all those who are not prepared to face the dangers of remaining in a war area have already left. Nevertheless, it is bringing the Garrison Commander’s warning to their attention. It wishes, moreover, to point out that the recent incidents on the Yangtze clearly show that American nationals remaining in Shanghai cannot count on safety through emergency evacuation if the situation in Shanghai should become so hazardous as to make it inadvisable to stay.
Sent Department 1315, repeated Nanking 759, Canton 312.