793.94/4645: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, March 9, 1932—5
p.m.
[Received March 9—10:55 a.m.]
[Received March 9—10:55 a.m.]
175. Referring to Department’s telegram of January 31, 11 p.m.71
- 1.
- I received a visit today from Colonel Gasser, in command of the 31st Regiment, and Colonel Thompson, representative of General Hines, who informed me that the regiment was very badly needed in Manila and inquired whether I had any reason for urging its retention here. I stated that after the arrival of the military authorities the number to be retained or maintained was primarily a question for them to determine taking into account whatever advice I may be able to give them regarding existing political conditions. Colonel Gasser then stated that both the Minister and the commander in chief were [Page 542] of the opinion that the 31st could very safely be withdrawn at the present time as the emergency had passed for which it came.
- 2.
- I consulted the Secretary General of the Shanghai Municipal Council and he stated that there was no longer reason for retaining it. I do not anticipate any serious trouble from without the Settlement as the Chinese cannot be victorious in any combat with the Japanese. I do not believe that there is likely to be any internal disturbances which will assume proportions that cannot be dealt with by the present forces of foreign troops and the municipal authorities although I am of the firm conviction that the withdrawal of the 31st Regiment reduces the American forces to its minimum and it should be maintained at that strength for a very long period, certainly until all differences between the Japanese and Chinese have been adjusted. I have great concern regarding the effect of the withdrawal on the Japanese both civil and military who are increasingly brutally arrogant and overbearing and it is by no means certain that this state will not become exaggerated by the withdrawal. I have some concern regarding the effect of the withdrawal of the 31st Regiment on the Chinese mind as it is by no means certain that the Chinese mind will accept this withdrawal without some evidence of unfriendly character towards the United States as it may be regarded as a cessation of interest by the United States in the Sino-Japanese conflict. The withdrawal will be a reassurance to the people in the United States as well as to the local foreign public that conditions are improving. Taking into account the heavy initial expenditures necessary for extended billeting and the reasons pro and con stated herein, I informed them that I was inclined to take a chance by concurring with the Minister and the commander in chief.
- 3.
- I desire to express appreciation on behalf of the entire community for the despatch of the 31st Infantry at a time when conditions seemed so serious and also appreciation for the spirit of cooperation shown by Colonel Gasser [apparent omission] his staff desires regarding duration of its stay. The buildings available for billeting were by no means modern so their stay has not been a fair-weather service.
Repeated to the Legation, copy to the Minister.
Cunningham