893.102S/2200: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (Butrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:58 p.m.]
803. In regard to the Shanghai Defense Sectors and with particular reference to my 797 August 19, 1 p.m., the Japanese have failed thus far to occupy Sector D from which the British withdrew their guards last night. Some of the former British posts have been taken up by the police of the local regime, and some Japanese army forces, presumably of the gendarmery, recently took up billet in that sector.
In all action taken here by the American side in regard to the Shanghai Defense Sectors, Admiral Hart has always consulted me and obtained my concurrence. On most occasions action was taken only after full consultation among Admiral Hart, Rear Admiral Glass-ford, Colonel Peck, Lieutenant Commander Mason of Admiral Hart’s staff and myself and these conferences usually took place in my office. I have not failed to inform Admiral Hart immediately at any time of the day or night of instructions received and he has kept me likewise promptly informed. Admiral Hart is planning to depart for Tsingtao to rejoin his flagship this afternoon.
No approach was ever made to the British to remain in Shanghai as it was felt that the British Government in deciding to withdraw its troops had considered all aspects of the situation including their relations with Japanese. The Commander of the British forces informed Colonel Peck that he was under instructions from the War Office to delay withdrawing British forces from the sectors for a period of not more than two days if the Americans so requested. Colonel Peck replied that so far as American forces were concerned no such request would be made.
Sent to the Department, repeated to Tokyo, Chungking, Peiping. Inform Navy Department if deemed necessary.