393.11/2122: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Linnell) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 23—noon.]
7. Referring to the Embassy’s telegram No. 509, October 21, 11 a.m. and Department’s 271, October 19, 6 [7] p.m. to the Embassy [at the time] sentries were sent to Hackett Memorial Hospital the Chinese authorities were informed of the intention and made no objection.
The end sought was to guard against looting, retreating soldiers, help in case of fire and general disorganized conditions and particularly to give the Chinese nurses and staff a feeling of security so that they would not leave as the Chinese nurses and staff of all the other hospitals in Canton have done. The latter purpose was accomplished. Furthermore, until yesterday the Japanese had not agreed to recognize the hospital as a medical refuge. Now they have agreed and the sentries have been removed.
Sent to Chungking.