893.00/13552: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:35 p.m.]
My June 14, noon.77 Following telegram sent from U.S.S. Monocacy at Changsha to Yangtze Patrol Commander received today:
“Changsha quiet. Obtained reliable information that conference between Nanking and Southwestern representatives now taking place at Hengchow. Result of this conference will determine possible hostilities or amicable relations held with American businessmen who have representatives in and south of Hengchow. The consensus of their opinion is that at present there is no cause for alarm. Strong rumor is current Changsha that the price for withdrawal of Southern forces now being discussed. British Consul and senior naval officer are not in accord with above opinions. British Consul has withdrawn all nationals south of Changsha to Changsha and has strongly urged that Americans now south of Changsha be withdrawn. He feels that in the event of hostilities anti-foreign feeling will develop and it may then be impossible to withdraw nationals. No large number troops present Changsha, estimates of Central Government troops south of Changsha vary between 5 and 15 divisions. Central Government troops reported to be entrenching just south of Hengchow. Will issue detailed evacuation plan to all American nationals present Changsha. This plan based on cooperating with British naval forces present, no instructions issued to American nationals other than those in Changsha pending definite decision from American Consul General, Hankow”.
I have today despatched following telegram to American Presbyterian Mission stations at Chenchow, Hengyang and Siangtan and to Evangelical Mission at Siangtan
“Future developments uncertain, exercise caution and withdraw if conditions make it advisable telegraph”.
Admiral Allen informed.
Repeated to Peiping, Nanking.
- Not printed.↩