Office of the Historian

393.1115/744–5: Telegram

The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations (Leahy)25

[Shanghai,] September 12, 1937—11 p.m.
[Received September 12—9:13 p.m.]

0012. Present plan of evacuation provides for removal of nationals including naval dependents from Tsingtao, Chefoo and Shanghai first in priority using Gold Star, Chaumont and Canopus. Chaumont will leave Chefoo 26 September, stop at Tsingtao, Woosung and Hong Kong, arrive Manila 6 October and then be ready for another cruise beginning at northern ports. Canopus leave Tsingtao 20 September, arrive Manila 25 September, then ready for another cruise. Believe that by the end of October all nationals who now desire to leave China can be taken to Manila on naval transports. Second schedule will be arranged to take nationals to Kobe who desire to go there instead of Manila.

Due crowded conditions Hong Kong none can be landed there. Manila also crowded but is only port available. If Government contemplates transporting nationals from China and Manila to United States, Army transports and chartered vessels will be necessary.

  1. Copy transmitted to the Department by the Navy Department.↩