793.94/4299: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19—9:50 a.m.]
80. It is becoming increasingly apparent that Chinese troops will not withdraw. Hostilities on a larger scale than heretofore are possible within next day or two in which case shells may land in Settlement, particularly in Yangtzepoo and Hongkew areas. I have advised Americans in those areas to take cover as far away as possible while firing is in progress and to seek places of greater safety and have urged that women and children be transferred to places of greater safety either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. News items in the [Page 396] foregoing sense will be published in afternoon papers February 19th and morning papers of 20th.71
Repeated to the Legation, Nanking and Tokyo for information.
- The Department replied in telegram No. 44, February 20, 1 p.m., that it “approves action taken.”↩