793.94/11394: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:35 p.m.]
976. 1. At the request of the Committee named therein Embassy transmits the following:
“An International Committee representing the more than 100 foreign nationals now residing in Wuhu desires to suggest to the Chinese and Japanese authorities the establishment of a safety zone for civilian refugees, in the unfortunate event of hostilities at or near Wuhu.
The International Committee will undertake to secure from the Chinese authorities specific guarantees that the proposed safety zone would be made free and keep free from military establishments and offices, including those of military communications; from the presences 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 between the Wuhu–Suancheng Railway and the small river commonly called the Changho. It contains the civilian residential section of the city and is free from all fortifications and defense works. The area is bounded as follows: the north by the Wuhu–Suancheng (Ningkwofu) Railway; on the east by the East Gate; on the south by the small river and on the west by the Chungshan road. The International Committee would see to it that the boundaries 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 [Page 738] date of acceptance by the Japanese authorities, the Chinese authorities having already accepted the committee’s proposal.
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 on behalf of civilians will bring honor to the responsible authorities on both sides. In order that the necessary negotiation with the Chinese authorities may be completed in the shortest possible time, and also in order that adequate preparations 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 confidently trusts that there will be favorable consideration of this appeal.
Respectfully submitted: (signed) Dr. Robert E. Brown, Bishop Zenon Aramburn, Father Justus Perez, Rev. A. Hayuan, Mr. T. F. R. Waters, Mr. Joe Wharton, on behalf of the foreign nationals of Wuhu.”
2. Please communicate as soon as possible to the Japanese Ambassador64 and give Embassy reply for communication to the Committee in question.
3. Sent to Shanghai, repeated to Department, Hankow, Peiping. Peiping please repeat to Tokyo for the Ambassador.
- The Consul General at Shanghai (to whom this telegram was sent) reported on December 2 that this had been done, “with request for an early reply.” (793.94/11557)↩