893.102S/2079: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (Butrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 11—1:07 p.m.]
508. Hong Kong’s 178, June 9, noon85 which has been repeated to Tokyo. Possibility of attempted seizure of the French Concession by Italian troops and German residents of Shanghai.
Italian marines stationed in Shanghai number 219; crews of two Italian gunboats now in Shanghai total about 110. German nationals in Shanghai number approximately 3000 while number of German-Jewish refugees is estimated at between 18,000 and 20,000. Large numbers of the latter are said to be refugees in name only and the French Concession police are much concerned over the activities of German residents including Jewish refugees. It is reliably reported that some German-Jewish refugees in Hongkew and Yangtzepoo Districts have staged celebrations of recent German victories on the Western Front.
There have been recently many rumors circulating in Shanghai to the effect that the Italians, Germans and Japanese would take action against the French Concession and possibly also against the International Settlement in the event of Italy’s entry into the European war. There is no confirmation of these rumors nor is there any substantiation of reports that the Japanese or “Nanking Government” are about to blockade the two foreign areas of Shanghai.
The defense force status quo arrangement made by Admiral Hart86 which Tokyo was instructed to communicate to the Japanese Government87 is in effect. I understand military commanders are arranging local liberty schedules in apparent good faith.
Repeated to Chungking, Peiping, Tokyo and Hong Kong.