393.1115/5–1349: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 14—10:50 p. m.]
Department please pass ComNavWesPac for Admiral Badger.
I greatly appreciate your further offer of cooperation in sending Repose to Woosung May 17–21 to evacuate American citizens.
American citizens now in Shanghai fully appreciate potential dangers of remaining here. Nevertheless because of important interests they are here to protect and on basis experiences in other cities when Communists have entered they fully intend with few exceptions to remain in Shanghai during Communist takeover. Very few would now be induced to leave by any offer of evacuation facilities and there are commercial facilities for all who wish to leave.
[Page 1258]Reason I strongly urge Navy should remain Woosung until actual takeover is that possibilities of internal explosion in Shanghai perhaps without any Communist military pressure whatsoever are increasing as economic dislocations become more severe. No one can now predict whether there will be internal disturbances and if there are how severe they will be. If anti-foreign feelings should suddenly swell or if populace driven to desperation should make it hazardous for foreigners to remain in Shanghai even in their own houses, ConGen might wish to avail itself at that unpredictable moment of any facilities Navy could afford to get Americans to places of safety. I can imagine situation arising in which it would be definitely more hazardous for Americans to remain in their homes or places of refuge in Shanghai than for them to proceed by whatever means available to Navy ships at Woosung. For these reasons I earnestly hope that Navy ships will remain at Woosung until turnover. Much as I appreciate facilities offered on Repose, do not think there is vital need for them under present conditions, assuming other ships remain at Woosung and will await further word from you before making any public announcement.
If Repose passing by Woosung in any case preparatory to departing US as I gather from American Naval Attaché and your telegram, I think some Americans might be happy to avail themselves of passages since President Cleveland due sail May 25 is already fully booked. Also we would appreciate opportunity to ship US few Americans who cannot afford to pay passage to US.