393.11/505: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 28—10:02 a.m.]
269. Following received from American consul general at Canton:
“March 26, 1 p.m. Your March 25, 3 p.m., received by radio and cable. I am warning Americans in Canton and suburbs to be prepared for immediate evacuation. Those still in the interior are being urged to proceed to Hongkong as soon as possible.
“I have just seen garrison commander and chief of police who promise to protect foreigners. I hope to see commander in chief of this province this afternoon. There is no indication of disorder but split between moderates and radicals, recent British attack on the Bias Bay pirates, and the strike of certain employees at Canton Christian College, are cause for apprehension. I will continue to keep the Legation informed.”