Office of the Historian

793.94/4348: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, February 21, 1932—noon.
[Received February 21—9:10 a.m.]

93. Referring to Department’s telegram No. 36, February 19, 2 p.m.

1.
Outline plans for possible evacuation of Americans from Shanghai were begun 2 weeks ago and are well in hand. A central committee of leading American citizens is functioning quietly. Every effort is being made not to create panic yet have plans ready for any eventuality. City has been divided into 13 districts, with captain in charge [Page 413] of each district. Major Bassett, head of central committee in 1927, is again chairman.
2.
Three district captains have already been useful in advising Americans to evacuate Hongkew and Yangtzepoo.
3.
Concentration centers for Americans are the American Club, Foreign Y.M.C.A. and Navy Y.M.C.A. The Dollar Steamship Company and other American shipping firms are being asked to hold ships in readiness to receive women and children in case of extreme emergency. If conditions justify, it is proposed to ask the Dollar Steamship Company to modify sailing schedules so that one of its ships will always be in harbor. It is reported the American Navy U.S.S. Chaumont now in harbor can care for 2, 500 persons.
4.
The Shanghai Municipal Council has a central organization for possible evacuation of all foreigners from Shanghai. The American committee is working in closest cooperation with the municipal organization. The commander in chief of the American forces is being strictly informed at all times.
5.
The British scheme begun February 18th is similar to ours. Other nations have local committees working quietly.
6.
It is gratifying that the Department’s policy is not to evacuate short of extreme emergency, as I like to regard the plans as only of precautionary character.

Repeated to the Legation.

Cunningham