893.00/5484: Telegram
The Chargé in China ( Bell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 29—10:20 a.m.]
313. My 312, August 28, 3 p.m. In view of present serious situation British and Japanese Ministers, French Chargé d’Affaires, and I yesterday addressed following note to Minister for Foreign Affairs;
“We, the undersigned representatives of Great Britain, Japan, France and the United States learning of the grave danger of hostilities breaking out between the provincial authorities of Kiangsu and Chekiang feel it our duty to remind the Chinese Government of the terms of the communication addressed by us to you on August 11, 1923 and to repeat and reaffirm in the most solemn manner the declarations contained in that communication regarding the obligations of the Chinese Government in the present crisis, to prevent loss of life and property to members of the foreign community in and around Shanghai.”
For text of last year’s note see Legation’s despatch 1738, August 17, 1923.2