893.5045/80: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9—10:48 a.m.]
Referring to my telegram of June 3, 5 p.m. Trial of the rioters is proceeding today and the suggestion was made several days [ago?] [Page 661] to Assessor Jacobs that great leniency be extended. Chinese representatives are manifesting general interest and employing counsel and consequently the trial will consume an unusual time, possibly days.
I propose that I support at the consular body meeting the appointment of an international foreign mission to investigate actions of the police on May 30th and that a Chinese representative be invited to watch the proceedings. Many Chinese and some Americans have urged that a Sino-foreign mission be appointed for this purpose but while theoretically this would contribute to the reconciliation of the Chinese, it is felt that it would be too great a sacrifice on the part of the administration of the International Settlement. Chinese will not be appeased until there is a public investigation of the actions of the police.
It is important to avoid, if possible, a boycott after the settlement of the strike and particularly boycott of American goods, and the advocacy by me of the above proposal would possibly contribute to the continued allegation [sic] good feeling of the Chinese toward Americans. There is a great probability that the Municipal Council will receive with favor the first proposal but the second would meet with decided opposition.