Washington, Aug. 24.
So far as the Americans in Shanghai were concerned, the State Department was studying means of protecting them from threats of hunger and disease, declared Mr. Cordell Hull. Secretary of State, in reply to question at press conference to-day Mr. Hull indicated that a substantial portion of the $500,000 emergency appropriation allotted by Congress last week, would be allocated for relief refugee work after American Consular officials in Ching had conferred with the Red Cross administration.
Asked whether the Government would force the evacuation of its remaining nationals if the warring troops invaded the International Settlement, the Secretary of State replied that he had not received any formal suggestions from officials in Shanghai.
It is stated that Mr, Hull's appeal to China and Japan to "refrain from resorting to war" had four purposes, three of which are said to be the bringing of moral pressure for a peaceful adjustment of Sino-Japanese differences, give admonition and final warning before the Neutrality Act is imposed and appease the ever-growing home pressure. Mr. Hull's refusal to pass judgment on the merits of the controversy indicates his determination to steer a middle course to peace.
President Roosevelt stated he had previously read and given his hearty approval to Mr. Hull's plea to China and Japan.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.