393.1115/24: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State

304. Reference paragraph 1 Embassy’s 302, July 27, 1 p.m.23

1.
Americans resident in Western Hills and Yenching University neighborhood have been warned to come into Peiping. The question of bringing Americans resident in Peiping to the Legation quarter was fully considered this morning, after consultation with the command of the guard and military and naval authorities and after consultation by Commandant with Commandants of British and French guards, and it was decided that the situation has not yet reached the stage which would warrant calling Americans into the Legation quarter. All plans to that end have been made, however, the Embassy keeping in frequent touch with Japanese and Chinese and with other Embassies’ officials. A census of Americans resident in Peiping concluded within the past few days indicates that there are approximately 700 Americans here at present, exclusive of a few tourists and the enlisted men of the guard. It is planned to bring Americans into the Legation quarter at the first sign of any developments which might endanger their lives.
2.
The German Embassy, basing its action principally on the action taken by the Japanese Embassy with respect to its nationals, has advised German residents of Peiping to remove to the Legation quarter.

Repeated to Nanking and Shanghai. For the Minister.

Lockhart