124.93/383: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 22—6:05 a.m.]
1. The Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday asked me to inform colleagues of his imminent departure from Nanking and of his desire that we leave Nanking as soon as possible. I communicated information to my colleagues yesterday afternoon and we agreed that we would leave as nearly together as possible for Hankow at which place Foreign Office is expected to be established. I came aboard Luzon this morning. German Ambassador told me he was going aboard his chartered merchant ship this morning with his nationals who wished to go. Others will board respective vessels today or tomorrow. Luzon leaves Nanking tomorrow November 23, 11 a.m., after taking on Peck,38 Aldridge,39 Jenkins40 and Captain Roberts. Lafoon41 with me. We will also take on board all American citizens who wish to leave Nanking. Tomorrow night we will spend at Wuhu taking on Americans there who wish to leave with us. The next night we will stop at Kiukiang for similar purpose. I expect to reach Hankow on Friday. Atcheson, Paxton and Gassie42 remaining at Nanking to administer office and look out for Americans who did not wish to leave. U. S. S. Panay remaining at Nanking to look out for remainder Embassy staff and American citizens.
Repeated to Peiping.