793.94/11231: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 22—6:54 p.m.]
944. 1. At the request of the Committee named herein I transmit the following:
“An International Committee composed of nations of Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States, desired to suggest to the Chinese and Japanese authorities the establishment of a safety zone for civilian refugees, in the unfortunate situation of hostilities at or near Nanking.
[Page 710]The International Committee will undertake to secure from the Chinese authorities special guarantees that the proposed safety zone would be made free and kept free from military establishments and offices, including those of communications; from the presence of armed men other than civil police with pistols; and from the passage of soldiers or military officers in any capacity. The International Committee would inspect and observe the safety zone to see that these undertakings are satisfactorily carried out.
The International Committee proposes the designation of the area indicated below, as convenient and suitable for the care of civilian refugees. This area lies well within the western sector of the city which the Japanese air forces have carefully respected in their bombing operations. The proposed area is delimited as follows: On the east, by North Chung Shan Road from Hsin Chieh Kou to the Shansi Road Circle. On the north, by a line running due west from the Shansi Road Circle to Sikang Road (which is the western boundary of the new residential district). On the west, by Sikang Road from the northern line just mentioned, running southward to the intersection of Hankow Road (this intersection is the southwest corner of the new residential district); thence southeasterly in a straight line to the intersection of Shanghai Road with Han Chung Road. On the south, by Han Chung Road from the intersection of Shanghai Road to the original starting point at Shin Chieh Kou. The International Committee would see to it that the boundary of the area would be clearly marked with white flags or with other indications to be agreed upon, plain to all concerned. The Committee proposes that the safety zone become effective from the date of ratification by the Committee to the authorities of both sides that the understanding is completed.
The International Committee earnestly hopes that the Japanese authorities may find it possible for humanitarian reasons to respect the civilian character of this safety zone. The Committee believes that merciful foresight of civilians will bring honor to the responsible authorities on both sides. In order that the necessary negotiations with the Chinese authorities may be completed in the shortest possible time, and also in order that adequate precautions may be made for the care of refugees, the Committee would respectfully request a prompt reply from the Japanese authorities to this proposal.
The International Committee confidentially trust that there will be favorable consideration of this appeal.
Respectfully submitted: (Signed) J. N. Hansen, F. Schultze Pantin, P. H. Munroe-Faure, John MaGee, P. R. Shiles, Iver Mackay, John H. D. Rabe, J. F. Pickerig, M. S. Bates, Edward Sperling, W. C. Mills, C. S. Trimmer, D. J. Lean, Charles H. Riggs, Lewis S. C. Smythe.”
2. Please communicate as soon as possible to the Japanese Ambassador and give me reply for communication to the Committee in question.
3. Sent to Shanghai. Repeated to Department, Peiping. Shanghai repeat to Tokyo.