893.00/10454: Telegram
The Consul General at Canton (Jenkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 24—10:55 a.m.]
Referring to my telegram of May 22, 10 a.m.68 Canton Government again notified me yesterday that the offensive against Wuchow is to be resumed with vigor both by land and water. I passed this information on to commander of the South China Patrol who now informs me that the U. S. S. Guam left Wuchow this morning with six Americans for Hong Kong. This indicates that about thirty Americans have remained in Wuchow in spite of warnings. Commander of the Guam reports that Kwangsi authorities will not defend Wuchow but intend to withdraw to the interior.
Private messengers from Shiuchow on Canton-Hankow Railway report that Communists under Chu Teh are approaching the city which is defenseless. These Communists have already looted several towns on northern border of Kwangsi and were formerly active in southern Kwangsi. Consuls interested urged Cantonese Government to send troops to protect Shiuchow, and the Government has promised to despatch 1,000 men.
The Legation has been informed.
- Not printed.↩