393.11/577: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 10—2:40 p.m.]
Japanese women and children and some men still being evacuated. Eighty-six Americans still here. This will be reduced further in a few days. Have received urgent appeals for the chartering of a merchant ship to be retained in harbor here as place of temporary refuge and not for evacuation purposes except case of acute emergency for Americans pending winding up affairs preparatory leaving. If situation shows no improvement I shall charter such ship since now unsafe remain ashore at night. Many Americans sleeping aboard ship greatly inconvenienced account of constant changes. Approximate cost $500.00 Mexican daily, of which businessmen, missionaries could bear part. Request prompt reply.
Chinese traders and merchants now refuse to accept foreign bank notes. I am thoroughly convinced that closing of foreign banks and newspapers is part of campaign to drive them out. Situation is gradually developing to a point where it will be utterly impossible for foreigners to remain here and carry on. I fail to see any intelligent [Page 286] effort being put forward to enable foreign businessmen and missionaries to renew their activities. The present delicate situation cannot possibly continue without another serious incident of some kind.
Legation informed.