893.102 Kulangsu/241: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 24—11:44 a.m.]
431. Our 429, August 23, 8 p.m. via Shanghai regarding Kulangsu situation. In view of the situation reported in Amoy’s unnumbered telegram August 22, 8 p.m., I believe that it would be useful to quote at length telegraphic instructions sent on July 25 by the Foreign Office to the Japanese Consul General at Amoy.
“With regard to the situation at Kulangsu there remains only one question and that relates to the appointment of an inspector of Japanese nationality. On July 13 Counselor Suma of the Embassy at Washington called on Hamilton, Chief of the Far Eastern Division of the Department of State, and received the impression that the Department of State is not necessarily opposed in principle to the appointment of such inspector. The American Government for its part has specially assigned Second Secretary Benninghoff of the Embassy at Peiping to Amoy to assist the Consul there and to concern himself with the settlement of the Kulangsu question. In that connection you will as a first step get in touch with the American authorities and, in line with the Hamilton–Suma conversation above mentioned, endeavor to obtain the understanding of the American authorities for the appointment of Japanese inspector. If necessary you are authorized as an acknowledgement of the friendly attitude of the American [Page 153] authorities to indicate assent ad referendum to the reduction in number of the three Japanese constables whose appointment has been requested (it is to be noted that the Municipal Council in a letter dated June 8 has already indicated willingness to make such appointment). It is also desired that you make it perfectly clear that in appointing the Japanese inspector and constables no additional financial burden will be imposed on the Municipal Council and on the ratepayers. It is earnestly hoped that you will endeavor to bring about a satisfactory settlement of the Kulangsu situation on the basis of the points above set forth. It should be understood that after the question of the appointment of the Japanese inspector has been settled we would be prepared to restore conditions in Kulangsu to the state in which they were prior to the development of the situation.”
Repeated to Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Chungking, Amoy, Peiping.