Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1939, The Far East; The Near East and Africa, Volume IV

393.0015/98: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, February 16, 1939—11 p.m.
[Received February 16—1:18 p.m.]

111. Embassy’s 110, February 16, 6 p.m.⁹⁹ Upon recommendation from Kiukiang and approval of Cincaf¹ Lieutenant Commander C. R. Jeffs, United States Navy, has been selected to proceed from Kiukiang via Lienhuatung to Kuling on the morning of February 17th to contact foreign residents. Embassy tonight at 10:30 local time informed Foreign Office representative of foregoing arrangement and latter promised to communicate immediately with Chinese military authorities requesting the latter forthwith instruct Chinese commander at Kuling to provide safe conduct and facilities to Jeffs on trip.

Embassy also requested Shanghai to arrange for broadcast of message from station XMHA on February 17 to Americans at Kuling stating that an American naval officer is expected to visit Kuling that day and urgently advising all those for whom departure is possible to utilize the opportunity thus provided to withdraw.

Repeated to Davies [aboard] Oahu, Hankow, Shanghai, Peiping.

Peck

99. Not printed.
1. Commander in Chief, United States Asiatic Fleet.