Papers Relating to the Foreign relations of the United States, 1927, Volume II

393.11/673: Telegram

The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State

Peking, June 16, 1927—4 p.m.
[Received June 16—8:55 a.m.]

646. Legation’s 557, May 15, 2 p.m., and 560, May 16, 5 p.m.

1. Following from American consul at Yunnanfu through American consul, Hong Kong:

“June 18 [sic], 4 p.m. Following from Jacobs, June 14, 3 p.m.: This morning Hu Jo-yu after 3 hours’ fighting in the city assumed charge, driving out the forces of Lung Yun. I fear there may be further fighting and disorder. Hu promises protection to foreigners but whether he does or not we cannot leave, since the railway has been cut.”

2. In the circumstances I do not believe that we are justified in keeping open the consulate at the present time and I request your authority to instruct Jacobs to advise all Americans in his district that conditions are unsafe; that they should withdraw and that, if they remain in Yunnan, they do so at their own risk. He should then close the consulate, remove the archives, and proceed to Hong Kong as soon as he is able to leave Yunnanfu.

MacMurray