893.00/8605: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:07 p.m.]
360. Yangtze Patrol commander telegraphed April 5th as follows:
“That conditions at Hankow very bad, all business at standstill, Japanese evacuating into steamers, about 100 French, Belgian, and Switzerland civilians remain, British and American civilians living close to waterfront and prepared to evacuate on short notice, present Americans at Hankow approximately 105, but expect this to be reduced within week to 35 or 40, these all business heads who are required to remain to the end on the understanding that they remain at own risk; that if situation grows worse, they will be required to remain on board ship in the harbor except for necessary business on shore; that it is not considered desirable to evacuate until British leave.”