893.00/9188
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
Peking, June 3,
1927.
[Received July 11.]
No. 1071
Sir: With reference to my telegram No. 277, of
March 29th, 12 noon,30 and to
subsequent communications concerning the protection of foreigners I have
the honor to enclose herewith copies of memoranda from the British,
French, Italian and Japanese Legations31 showing the measures taken for the evacuation of the
nationals of those countries from various parts of China.
I beg leave also to enclose a copy of a memorandum regarding the
withdrawal of American citizens which I transmitted, to the missions
referred to, on May 24th.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure]
Memorandum Concerning the Withdrawal of American
Citizens32
With Reference to Nationalist
Territory
Prior to the Nanking incident (March 24, 1927), the American Legation
has advised the withdrawal of American citizens from the Chungking
[Page 303]
and Changsha consular
districts. After March 24, the Legation advised the withdrawal of
all Americans from Nationalist territory (excepting Shanghai foreign
settlements). However, the Legation sanctioned those persons in
seacoast ports remaining there, if concentrated in places from which
they might be readily evacuated. The Legation also approved
essential men remaining at Hankow.
With Reference to Northern
Territory
Generally speaking, the Legation has advised the withdrawal of all
Americans from the interior to seacoast ports. In early April, the
Legation expressed approval of the withdrawal from Peking of women
with children and non-essential women; but this measure is no longer
considered necessary. No advice to withdraw has been given with
regard to Manchuria.
Compliance With Legation’s
Advice
In Nationalist territory, the above advice has been very fully
observed. There remain a few Americans in Chengtu, Batang, and
Yachow, Szechuan. There are also a few persons remaining in Western
Hunan and at some other points in the South.
In Northern territory, the advice given was followed at the time in a
very satisfactory manner. There is, however, at present a slight
tendency to drift back to places in the interior without reference
to the advice of the American Government authorities. American
missionaries in Kansu and Shensi Provinces have not yet come out,
but they are all believed to be on their way.
Consulates closed: 4
- Chungking, Changsha, Nanking, Kalgan.
- Officers from the Chungking and Changsha Consulates are
stationed temporarily at Hankow. The Consul at Nanking is
remaining on board a war vessel at that port.
Ports totally evacuated:
- Chungking, Wanhsien, Ichang, Shasi, Yochow, Changsha,
Kiukiang Wuhu, Nanking, Kalgan.
Ports from which evacuation has largely taken place:
- Chengtu, Hankow, Foochow, Hangchow, Ningpo, Foochow [sic], Tsinan, and smaller ports in
Kwangtung and Kwangsi Provinces.
