793.94/9338: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 13—9:55 a.m.]
473. My 467, August 13, 3 p.m. We saw Japanese Consul General. He did not state he had again been instructed to endeavor to avoid a conflict but said he would welcome any help that could be given to that end. No suggestions to offer. We asked whether he would be disposed to return to the status quo ante, which would necessitate withdrawal of his reinforcements as well as Chinese forces. He said he would be glad to put such a proposal to Tokyo. We then saw the Chinese Mayor and told him that while our efforts in the joint commission yesterday were without results we continued desirous of being of any assistance. We inquired whether he would be willing to put any proposals to Nanking for avoiding conflict. He said he was anxious to do so. We gradually approached a proposal for return to status quo ante and he appeared to be eager to work out what that would mean, but said he could make no commitment but would send anything to Nanking. An effort was then made to outline what it would mean, and he frequently brought up points to be covered. Finally the following was drafted in rough form: “General principles to be worked out between authorized Chinese and Japanese representatives. Chinese side. (1) Withdraw regular troops to former positions. (2) Peace Preservation Corps. General withdrawal about 2 miles from railway on all sides of Settlement, Chinese police only function in that evacuated area. Japanese side. (1) Withdrawal of their reinforcements leaving only normal garrison for protection of their nationals, to remain east of railway in northern area and to be withdrawn from cotton mills in western district. (2) Withdrawal of the additional naval vessels sent to Shanghai after incident on August 9th.[”]
- 2.
- Mayor stated he would be glad to submit foregoing to Nanking Government if Japanese Consul General was willing to submit it to Tokyo. We then saw Japanese Consul General who seemed disposed to have the proposals and undertook to send them to Tokyo in the same manner as Mayor will send them to Nanking, without commitment. Mayor was so informed.
- 3.
- I have no hope that this gesture will be fruitful, but I felt under any circumstances that is [it?] seemed about all we could suggest.
- 4.
- Mayor said he had contacted commander of Chinese troops and had asked him to avoid a clash. But he stated that the clash was actually occurring at Two Character Bridge at that moment. This bridge is near Japanese barracks. Japanese Consul General also [Page 347] mentioned this clash. We expressed to both sides the hope that they would be able to restrain their troops.
Repeated to Nanking and Tokyo.