393.115/109: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, January 10, 1938—1
p.m.
[Received January 10—7:15 a.m.]
[Received January 10—7:15 a.m.]
16. The following telegram has been sent to the Consul General at Shanghai.
“January 10, 10 a.m. Your 43, January 8, 5 p.m., regarding reports of looting of American property by Japanese troops at Soochow and Hangchow.
- 1.
- I made informal representations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning and told him that while I was not yet in possession of detailed reports I thought he would wish to know of these general reports immediately so that prompt action might be taken. Hirota said that he would at once bring the matter to the attention of the Japanese military authorities.
- 2.
- It seems to me very important that detailed affidavits covering these reports of looting should be obtained at the earliest possible moment and that copies should be conveyed both to the Japanese Consul General at Shanghai and to me.
- 3.
- Repeated to the Department.”
Grew