393.115/182: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 18—12:50 p.m.]
275. Reference Department’s 132, February 12, 1 p.m., and other telegraphic instructions regarding losses suffered by American citizens and the submission of evidence. In behalf of American citizens this office has forwarded to the Japanese Consulate General a considerable number of applications for passes to inspect American property located at Chiaotoutseng, Changshu, Chinkiang, Changchow, Kiangyin, Liuho, Quinsan and Wusih in the province of Kiangsu. In spite of persistent efforts made here to obtain passes for American citizens none of these applications has been acted upon because of the refusal of the Japanese military authorities to permit foreigners to return to or even visit their stations. In these circumstances it is practically impossible for American property owners to ascertain their losses and to prepare their claims.
It is therefore suggested that the refusal of the Japanese military authorities to permit American citizens to inspect their properties in the interior be brought to the attention of the Japanese Government with the request that instructions be issued to arrange for and facilitate such legitimate visits of inspection.64
- The Ambassador in Japan reported via telegram No. 285, February 19, 4 p.m., from the Consul General at Shanghai, that the question had been taken up with the Japanese Foreign Office (393.115/183).↩