793.94/11116: Telegram
The Consul at Tsingtao (Sokobin) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15, 1937—6 a.m.]
Following from Allison:
“November 14, midnight. Information believed to be reliable has just been received that Japanese forces have reached a point 22 miles north of Tsinanfu and that Japanese irregulars have appeared within 8 miles northeast of the city. It is also reported that Provincial Government offices are moving to Taian at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow the 15th.
After further consultation with Americans and others I believe that presence of American Consul here will (1) be of assistance to Americans who may decide to leave at this time and (2) have a mitigating; effect on Japanese actions toward American citizens and property if Tsinanfu is captured. At present there are approximately 30 Americans in the city of whom 20 are women and children, including 11 Catholic Sisters. I, therefore, request permission to remain here for at least 2 weeks more or until Americans have evacuated. It is also requested that Consulate General at Tientsin inform Japanese entering of the presence in Tsinanfu of American lives and property and if bombing or shelling of city is contemplated warning is requested as was given at Soochow, according to press reports.
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Nanking, Peiping, Tientsin.”