393.115/610: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
Washington, April 16, 1939—1
p.m.
96. Reference Shanghai’s 274, April 13, 7 p.m., and Hankow’s April 14, 4 p.m., which Peiping is hereby requested to repeat to you if it has not already done so.
- 1.
- Please make an approach to the Foreign Office in such manner as you may deem appropriate and present an emphatic protest in the matter. Department suggests that, while requesting that prompt steps be taken to remove interference with the landing at Kiukiang of the American employee of Andersen, Meyer and Company, you place the main emphasis upon the flagrant disregard of American rights involved in the Japanese undertaking to interfere with the landing of American citizens at Hankow, where no hostilities are in progress and where there is a large foreign community and a considerable number of American citizens. Point out that the case of interference under discussion indicates a lack of consideration for American interests which is especially objectionable in that American officials had extended their assistance in connection with the journey and in that transportation on an American naval vessel had been made available to the Americans concerned. State that, while American officials and citizens have been very patient in regard to interference with their movements and rights in areas where actual hostilities were in progress, the American authorities do not recognize any right on the part of the Japanese to interfere with the movement of American citizens in China.
- 2.
- Please also mention the cases of the China Foreign Trade Corporation, Palmetto Presbyterian Mission, and the attacks by Japanese soldiers on Miss Avett and Mr. J. E. Jackson. Point out the complete lack of progress in the settlement of these cases and indicate, in connection therewith, and also in connection with the question of landing permits for American citizens at Hankow and Kiukiang, that the impression of the Department is that the attitude of the Japanese [Page 317] Consul General at Shanghai toward the the adjustment of cases affecting American interests is distinctly one of lack of interest and lack of helpfulness. This impression should be designated as being that of the Department and not imputed to the American Consul General at Shanghai.
- 3.
- The Department expects, for purposes of emphasis, to communicate orally to the Japanese Ambassador here the substance of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this telegram.
Repeated to Chungking, Peiping and Hankow.
Hull