393.1115/4–2549: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 26—2:28 a. m.]
1342. Following announcement to American citizens has been issued pursuant Department’s authorization and further conversations with Admiral Badger:
“As pointed out in the statement issued by the Consulate General on April 23, the recent incidents on the Yangtze require a reappraisal of the plans which have been made for the evacuation of Americans to points of safety in the event that conditions in Shanghai should become so hazardous as to make this appear to be desirable. The commanding officer of the American naval forces stationed at Shanghai, pursuant to this reappraisal and to his instructions not to become involved in China’s fratricidal civil war is shortly moving his heavy units from close anchorages in the Whangpoo to the lower Yangtze.
“Contact will be maintained by small craft between Shanghai and the naval units in the lower Yangtze as long as this proves feasible.
“American citizens desiring safe haven aboard American naval units will be processed at the American Consulate General starting immediately and will then be received at the US Naval Annex, 627 Yangtzepoo Road. The evacuation unit of the American Consulate General is being reactivated today. Citizens taking advantage of this facility will appreciate that no guarantee can be given that they will be permitted to land again by the local authorities. The Consulate General will of course continue to function.
[Page 1250]“Citizens taking advantage of these facilities will realize that accommodations although adequate may not be comfortable. Those not desiring or not able to return to Shanghai will be routed onward by commercial shipping or to Hong Kong or Japan for further routing. American citizens will appreciate that when these facilities are no longer available no further facilities of any kind can be provided by the American authorities for the protection of American citizens in Shanghai and they must be prepared to remain here.
“Citizens may wish to check whether commercial facilities are available either on ships or planes. The Consulate General will have the latest information available regarding such facilities. Attention is invited to the fact that additional space has been made available in the President Wilson due to depart April 27.”
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 778, Canton 326.