893.102S/2045: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Shanghai (Butrick)
218. Your 410, May 12, 1 p.m., and Chungking’s May 15, 10 a.m., to Shanghai. Having in mind the principles underlying the representations [Page 739] made pursuant to the Department’s 65, February 24, 6 p.m., 1939, to Shanghai,81 the Department suggests that the Embassy at Tokyo, unless it perceives objection, make appropriate informal representations to the Foreign Office and that you make similar representations to the Japanese Consul General at Shanghai following consultation between you and Ambassador Grew and your respective British colleagues and after you are advised by Ambassador Grew that he has acted or is prepared to act. The question of the form and substance of the representations is left to Mr. Grew’s and your discretion; it is suggested, however, that the representations include a statement that a similar approach has been (or is being) made to the Chinese Government in regard to the question of terrorist activities of pro-Chinese agents in the International Settlement and its environs.
The question of making further representations to the Chinese Foreign Office is left to the discretion of the Ambassador at Chungking. If Mr. Johnson considers that representations in addition to those mentioned in his May 15, 10 a.m., to Shanghai, would be helpful, it is suggested that the additional representations include a statement that an appropriate approach is being made to the Japanese Foreign Office in regard to the question of terrorist activities of pro-Japanese agents in the International Settlement and its environs.
Sent to Shanghai. Repeated to Chungking and Peiping. Shanghai please repeat to Tokyo.