793.94/4114: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 11—8:40 a.m.]
33. Japanese aeroplane number 606–D at 11 o’clock this morning dropped a bomb near Markham Road 100 yards within International Settlement and in the American sector, destroying part of Wing On Mill and killing at least 5 persons. A number of American marines were near at hand but none was injured. Preceding the bombing a [Page 277] Japanese using a machine gun fired from over the Settlement at Chinese forces in a manner which would provoke the Chinese to fire into the Settlement. This seems to be condemned as much as the dropping of the bomb.
2. At 2 o’clock Consul General Murai called to express his regrets and stated that the bombing was an accident, that it was intended for Chinese forces outside the Settlement and that the admiral had given orders that greater care should be given and no bombing planes should pass over the Settlement. He qualified this, however, by stating that it was exceedingly difficult to prevent these accidents inasmuch as the Chinese military forces were hugging the Settlement and it would be impossible to dislodge them by a frontal attack. The only way would be by bombing and it was feared that corners of the Settlement might be crossed by mistake. I told Consul General Murai that I was glad he appreciated the responsibility of the position and that his expression of regret would be transmitted to Admiral Taylor, Colonel Hooker and the Department.
Repeated to the Legation and Nanking for information.