793.94/13191: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 11—6 a.m.]
813. My No. 812, June 11, noon.
- 1.
- I have this morning received a further letter addressed to the Ambassador, dated June 11, from Mr. Tani, Japanese Minister, reading as follows:
- 2.
“At the request of the Japanese naval authorities, I have the honor to bring the following to in our Excellency’s attention.
The experiences of Japanese air forces during the present hostilities have shown that although the men-of-war and other vessels of third powers painted their respective national flags upon their awnings to make themselves distinguishable from Chinese boats, it was hardly possible for Japanese fliers to recognize these painted flags from the air. They earnestly hope therefore that the powers concerned would find out a new method to make their vessels more distinguishable, for example, such as painting the greater part of the vessels scarlet or in other colours, and that they would at the same time take necessary [Page 599] steps to prevent Chinese from resorting to the same measure in order to escape trial bombardments.
The suggestion arose from the earnest wishes of the Japanese Navy to avoid as far as possible the occurrence of untoward incidents between Japan and third powers by causing unwanted [unwarranted?] damages on vessels of third powers. I should be grateful therefore if you would be good enough to give favorable consideration to the suggestion.”
- 3.
- I have given to the commander in chief a copy of the abovementioned letter.
Repeated to Hankow, Peiping and Tokyo.