793.94/9527a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
159. 1. Please consider presenting to the Government to which you are accredited a note as follows:
“In the light of the situation existing in China wherein the lives and interests of a considerable number of American nationals are in danger in consequence of the carrying on of military operations by armed forces of Japan and of China, and of statements made by the Japanese Government on and since July 12, both in writing and [Page 457] through spoken words, indicating that Japan is solicitous with regard to the lives of the nationals and the interests of other countries, this Government requests, for the reassurance of its people, both at home and abroad, an express and specific formal assurance by the Japanese Government that the operations of the Japanese armed forces in China will not be directed against or into the city of Tsingtao where American nationals are at present concentrated.
As the Japanese Government is aware, this Government has been encouraging and facilitating the withdrawal of American nationals from exposed areas in China to places of comparative security. Many nationals of the United States along with the nationals of other countries have sought refuge at Tsingtao. In addition there are in that city a large number of Americans who had proceeded there to spend the summer and who have been advised against endeavoring to return to their normal places of residence because of disturbed conditions. In order that these Americans as well as other nationals now at Tsingtao may be reasonably secure the American Government feels warranted in suggesting that Tsingtao not be made a theater or base of military operations. Furthermore it seems to this government reasonable and desirable, in the interests of all concerned, that the fact of an intended immunity of Tsingtao from military operations should be announced and be generally and publicly understood. The American Government is prepared to address also to the Chinese Government a similar request for such an assurance.
I may add that such an assurance would serve to confirm the oral assurance given on August 20 by Admiral Shimomura to the American Consul at Tsingtao that the Japanese forces would make no attack on or in Tsingtao unless the Chinese forces move against the Japanese there.”
2. In case you should already have made any approaches in regard to Tsingtao, the Department would desire that unless you consider it not advisable, you nevertheless present a note substantially as above as under instruction from your Government, making appropriate alterations to conform with the approach which you may have already made.
If you feel it expedient to make the approach above outlined, please so act at once and inform Department promptly of Foreign Office reaction. If you feel otherwise, inform Department at once of your views and any suggestions which you may have to offer.
This is being sent at present only to you.