793.94/11208: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 21—4:30 p.m.]
996. I am informed by foreign press correspondents that at a Japanese press conference this afternoon an Embassy spokesman stated that the Japanese Consul General had communicated to the authorities of the International Settlement and French Concession certain points on which the authorities are expected to meet Japanese wishes, in effect as follows:
- 1.
- Suppression of anti-Japanese and Kuomintang organizations, of posters and literature of anti-Japanese character, of theatricals and motion picture and radio broadcast propaganda of same character, and prohibition of so-called Chinese spy mania.
- 2.
- Eviction of Chinese Government organizations and representatives both central and local and effective supervision over Chinese Government and party leaders.
- 3.
- Prohibition of Chinese censorship of communications, telegraphs and posts, of press and news services and suppression of unauthorized wireless communication by Chinese.
I have been unable so far to contact any municipal authorities who will admit that such representations have been made.
The Japanese naval authorities this afternoon seized some 20 or more small craft of the Chinese customs service.
Sent to the Department, repeated to Nanking and Tokyo.