793.94/7563: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Davis) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24—10:30 a.m.]
789. My telegram December 24, noon. Reliably informed through police channels that chief of staff Japanese naval landing force has stated to British military intelligence officer that they were taking a serious view of developments in Shanghai and that the time had come for the National Army authorities to take a stronger stand. They felt he said that some Settlement police would be capable [Page 496] of coping with the situation but expressed lack of confidence in the ability of the Chinese authorities to do so in territory controlled by them. They are, therefore, holding themselves in readiness to take action if necessary. He added that the Japanese naval landing party would not act without consulting their consular authorities, but in the event they decide to use their forces they will act independently.
Repeated to Department and Nanking.