393.11/651: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 23—9:10 a.m.]
580. Your 220, May 14, 3 p.m. Commander in chief has replied that it is physically impracticable to remove Wanhsien stock under naval protection during the summer season and that commander, North China Patrol, does not consider that existing military situation makes it advisable to evacuate Ichang stock. Patrol commander states that he has made no plans or promises to the Standard Oil Company to evacuate their river stock above Chenglin and that it is not his intention to effect such further evacuation and that he has so informed that company. If at a later date the situation permits the evacuation of Ichang stock, Gillespie and Sons Company will be accorded same assistance offered to the Standard Oil Company.