793.94/4358: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 22—12:45 p.m.]
96. In accordance with decision of consular body at meeting February 17th, following letter was sent to Mayor February 18th by Senior Consul.
“I have the honor to invite your attention to the fact that several casualties have occurred in the International Settlement from shells which have fallen in this area. It is reasonable to presume that some of these missiles, particularly those discharged from anti-aircraft guns, were fired from Chinese guns, and accordingly I desire to ask that you urge, with great earnestness, upon your military authorities to refrain from firing projectiles which may cause injury and loss of life and damage to property in the International Settlement.
It is the earnest desire of my colleagues and myself that in the interests of all inhabitants of the International Settlement, the great majority of whom are Chinese, you will do your utmost to cooperate with the Settlement authorities in our endeavors to preserve the nonpartisan character of the International Settlement as well as the security of life and property therein during the present crisis. You are assured that representations to this end have been made, and will continue to be made whenever necessary, to the Japanese authorities concerned.”
Repeated to the Legation [and?] Nanking.