124.93/11–948: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 9—8:25 a.m.]
2152. [To Tokyo:] Because of very rapid deterioration military position of Chinese Government, there exists possibility of Communist assault on Nanking and certain other Chinese cities where there are consular offices. Under these conditions and if development hostilities in Nanking and certain other areas appears imminent, we believe it would prove desirable evacuate Embassy and certain consular dependents, official files and some personnel to point from which they could be readily returned when hostilities cease. Total number estimated at maximum 600 persons. We would appreciate soonest possible information as to whether these persons could be temporarily accommodated in Japan until their return to China feasible. While duration their stay difficult estimate, in all likelihood it would not exceed 2 or 3 months.
Sent Tokyo 106, repeated Department 2152.