124.93/377: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16—12:21 p.m.]
920. Department’s 353, November 14, 3 p.m., and further reference to my 917, November 15, 3 p.m.
Soviet Embassy plans to follow Government. Soviet Ambassador has not returned to Nanking. British Chargé d’Affaires informed me [Page 682] this morning that he would leave his Consul at Nanking and go to Hankow but would not try to accompany Government further. He would send representative if that was possible perhaps returning himself to Shanghai. It is evident that all missions desire to have representative at least follow Government if that is possible. Our difficulty is that we are unable to learn what the Government intends to do although it is obvious that they cannot remain in Nanking. In fact parts of it are already being moved up river. I think that our needs will be met eventually if we send a representative and in any case I would not think it necessary for the Embassy to go further inland than Hankow. Our decisions perhaps have to be changed as situation develops. Chinese will doubtless drop boom across river at Kiukiang as soon as Government departs or gets above it which will make our movements difficult. Does Department wish me to remain here with staff until after Japanese have taken over this city?