893.00/12832: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 10—11:30 a.m.]
460. Legation’s 455, October 9, 11 a.m.66 Following from Consul at Yunnanfu:
“October 9, 6 pm. With reference to my telegram October 8, 11 a.m., it is reported by China Inland Mission that [in?] Kweichow, two British subjects and one who may be Swiss, have been seized by Communists at Kiuchow and carried off toward Szechwan. Mission secretary [at] Yunnanfu has telegraphed that if there is a possibility of communist occupation British Consul General [at] Yunnanfu urges immediate evacuation and has so informed British Legation. If reports in Yunnanfu are to be believed a serious danger is imminent and the evacuation of all foreigners from Kweichow will be advisable. Smith67 who arrived yesterday afternoon from Kweichow suggests that if communist menace becomes much more serious missionaries should concentrate at Anshun from which place evacuation by way of Kwangsi or Yunnan is possible. Road to Chungking from Kweiyang believed to be unsafe and Kwangsi Road may be objective of Communists in which case evacuation by way of Kwangsi only feasible by bus and with military protection which might be difficult to obtain if Communists were closely pressing provincial troops. Depending upon developments Yunnan may be the only safe route of evacuation if such becomes necessary.
Canton is being informed.”
The Legation has instructed the Consul General at Canton as follows:
“October 10, 4 p.m. Reference Yunnanfu’s message concerning situation in Kweicnow. Legation suggests that, in view of apparent serious character of communist menace, you consider recommending to Americans in Kweichow Province the desirability of withdrawing promptly from threatened areas before means of communication are interrupted.”