701.0093/12–348: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
1777. As indicated Deptel 1639 Nov 16, we fully agree with view urtel 2410 Dec 3 definite decision cannot be made until Gimo and/or his Govt actually evacuate Nanking. In light urtels 2379 Dec 1 and 2410 Dec 3, Depts preliminary reaction, requested by you, is that Ambassador and major portion staff should remain Nanking, at least until situation clarifies. We believe desirable, however, that Min-Counselor, together with junior officer and necessary steno-cryptographic assistants, should be prepared to proceed to new location principal Govt organs, presumably Canton, when Govt evacuates.