811.5034 (China) American Radio Service/56: Telegram

The Consul at Tientsin (Fletcher) to the Secretary of State

My October 1, 6 p.m., American Radio Service. In handing me the protest mentioned in the telegram just cited my French colleague told me that this protest was pro forma but he added that for a time yesterday the situation was so serious due to the aggressive and threatening Japanese attitude that he feared for the safety of the Concession.

Sent to Peiping. Repeated to the Department, Chungking, Tokyo.

Fletcher