393.1115/3687: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 15—1 p.m.]
There are now 79 American-born Chinese, whose registrations have been approved by the Department, in Canton and vicinity, and while efforts will be continued to get them to evacuate soon, this is especially difficult since there are at present no egress to Hong Kong either by the Canton–Hong Kong Railway or by the river.
It is felt that this Consulate General should be able to assemble at the Consulate General these persons as well as the white Americans if the Japanese come to Canton or start to shell or bomb the city. However, the British Consul General says that the regulations of the British Concession forbid any persons of the Chinese race except servants to reside on Shameen and that if an emergency comes no Chinese will be allowed to come on the island.
I have been told that naturally we do not want to have these people come to live on Shameen but that if attack comes it might be necessary to keep them here for a short time until means could be found to take them out. His reply is that this would not be permitted. I would ask for your consideration of this situation and possible approach to the British Ambassador or Government and for instructions in the [Page 498] premises. I have told the British Consul General that I would refer this matter.
Sent to the Department and Embassy, Chungking