393.1163 Am 3/527
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 30.]
Sir: With reference to the Embassy’s despatch No. 4740 dated June 3, 1940, transmitting a translation of a note verbale No. 106, American I, under date of May 24, 1940, from the Japanese Foreign Office2 replying to the Embassy’s representations regarding the bombing of the American Catholic Mission at Linchwan, Kiangsi Province, as a result of Japanese aerial bombardment on April 13, 1940,2a I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the Embassy’s note No. 1590 dated July 23, 1940, addressed to the Foreign Office3 on this subject. It will be observed that the note communicates additional data regarding this inexcusable attack upon American property, and points out the failure of the Japanese authorities in their report concerning the investigation of the bombing attack to mention that the mission church, the most conspicuous object in Linchwan, bore a large American flag on the roof, which the attacking aviators could not have failed to observe in view of the fair weather which prevailed.
Respectfully yours,