Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/5161: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State

Shanghai, May 5, 1932—9 p.m.
[Received May 5—1:20 p.m.]

1. Incident on Settlement border between Japanese marines and International Settlement police involving 31st Infantry illustrates danger inherent in the present situation. Commander in chief has informed Defense Committee that he perceives no further occasion for continuance of state of emergency which is now being used simply to keep Japanese out of Settlement and that American forces are not here for that purpose. I approve of his action.

2. Commander in chief informed me that he is now informed that emergency will probably be lifted tomorrow.

3. In view of this fact and the fact that Sino-Japanese agreement has been signed and that Japanese evacuation will begin tomorrow, May 6th, I recommend that reconsideration be given to the matter of the retention of the 31st here at Shanghai and that that regiment be taken away. The British have already reduced their forces by a battalion. Commander in chief approves. Copy to commander in chief and Consul General [at] Shanghai.

Johnson