793.94/8174: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 24—1:32 p.m.]
511. Further to my 509, September 24, 11 a.m., the Consulate General has learned confidentially from Secretary General of municipality of Greater Shanghai that Mayor Wu lodged written protest this morning with the Japanese authorities regarding incursion of Japanese naval units into Chapei area last night and pointed out that the appearance of fully armed Japanese units was causing much apprehension among the Chinese [in] that district. The Mayor further pointed out some Japanese units have been posted in areas where there are no Japanese residents and requested that these and all other units be withdrawn forthwith. No reply has been received to this protest thus far. It was further stated that when Japanese blue-jackets proceeded into Chapei last night strict instructions were issued to all Chinese police not to oppose them in any way but that their continued presence was provocative and might lead to further trouble.
Wakasugi, Acting Japanese Consul General, called on Mayor Wu this morning and urged the cooperation of the Chinese authorities in apprehending the perpetrators of the shooting and requested that every possible effort be made to give the fullest protection to Japanese lives and property. Wakasugi further informed the Mayor that he reserved the right to present any new demands (it is understood that instructions from Tokyo are being awaited). The Mayor is understood to have assured him that everything possible would be done. Wakasugi also called on the Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council12 this afternoon and similarly urged the Settlement authorities to apprehend the murderers and to protect fully Japanese residents. His attitude was surprisingly conciliatory. I am informed that Shanghai municipal police are functioning normally in the Hongkew area without Japanese opposition. For a time last night, however, their functioning was considerably restricted by Japanese naval cordon.
I was informed last night that Japanese naval authorities desired declaration of state of emergency. As a matter of precaution I advised Commanding Officer United States Marine Corps that the situation as reported did not justify such a measure. He concurred. I learn today that no formal request was received from any responsible Japanese authority for declaration of state of emergency.
[Page 310]It is learned that the one Chinese arrested on the spot was probably a bystander and not one of the culprits who are generally thought to have been hired gunmen operating for political purposes.
Thus far the attitude of the Japanese as indicated by their representatives to both the Chinese and Settlement authorities and the measures taken by the Japanese Navy, with the exception of their penetration into Chapei, indicates a surprising measure of restraint.
- H. E. Arnhold, British businessman.↩