393.11/455: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 10—6:20 a.m.]
129. Paragraph No. 1. Following from American consul at Foochow:
“February 8, 3 p.m. The local situation considerably improved and I hope to be able shortly to report definitive assurances of the local authorities with respect to the future status of American industries in this district. Assuming that local conditions may justify it, do you consider that the national and international situation would yet justify any change in policy with respect to the continuation of the establishment [evacuation?] of the remaining Americans or the return of those who have left.”
To which I have replied as follows:
“February 10, 11 a.m. In view of the uncertainty in the Yangtze Valley with particular regard to Sino-British relations, the Legation does not deem it advisable for you to sanction the return of American citizens at the present time. If those remaining in your district are so reduced in number and so situated as to be able to depart on short notice, the Legation considers the present evacuation might be suspended if in your opinion local conditions permit. Report any action which you may take; also number of Americans still remaining in your district.”
2. I have quoted first sentence of Price’s February 8, 3 p.m. to American consul general at Hankow with following instructions:
“February 10, 10 a.m. My February 8, 7 p.m. Following from American consul at Foochow the sense of which you may wish to [Page 259] convey to Eugene Ch’en with appropriate expression of our satisfaction and hope that he will continue to lend his assistance to improvement and stabilization of conditions [in] area described.”