124.93/419: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 27—12:05 a.m.]
106. Shanghai’s 1231, December 26, 6 p.m. To comply with Japanese request at this time would be interpreted as assent to military’s right to interfere with our access to our property and archives in Nanking. Oahu’s voyage can be timed to arrive Nanking January 1st. In view of assurances given by Japanese Government in connection with Panay incident I hope Department will inform Tokyo of return of Embassy officers and our expectation that they will not be prevented from reoccupying Embassy buildings Nanking.
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Shanghai.