893.01/762: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Spiker) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:55 a.m.]
Wang Ching Wei54 arrived in Hankow yesterday and is due to depart today. In reply to questions from foreign press representatives, he declared that the closing of American mission schools by officials of the new régime and attempts to tax mission incomes and donations from the United States were not in accord with the policy of his Government. He stated that anti-American activities in Honan [Page 869] about which he professed ignorance were likewise contrary to the political program and manifesto issued on March 30. He declared that the rendition of extrality is a fundamental policy of his Government but that it is to be accomplished peacefully. After conclusion of Wang interview, Lin Pai Sheng, Minister [of] Publicity, was asked what Nanking’s policy would be should Japan take positive steps southward as result of possible extension [of] European war to southeast Asia. Lin replied that as no formal suggestions concerning such an eventuality had been received from Tokyo he could not make a statement.
A high Japanese personage very closely guarded and rumored to be Prince Chichibu,55 arrived in Hankow on April 15 to comfort Japanese troops. He departed before Wang’s arrival.
Sent to Chungking, repeated to Peiping, Nanking, Shanghai.