393.115Radio Corp. of America/5½: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Forbes)
26. Information has been received by the Department and by the American Consul General at Shanghai to the effect that the Japanese armed forces may contemplate activities near the International Settlement, including operations in those areas where are located radio receiving and sending stations, and that it is obvious that such activities might jeopardize communications service and endanger the stations themselves. At Chenju, seven miles from Shanghai, the Radio Corporation of America has a large interest in a radio sending station and receives a substantial revenue from its Shanghai circuit, which carries a substantial portion of the communications service with China.
You should make urgent oral representations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, advising him of the facts as represented above and informing him that this Government views with deep concern the possibility of injury to important American interests and would consider any interference with channels of communication to and from Shanghai with deep regret. You are authorized to add that this Government earnestly hopes that there is no basis in fact for the reported intention of the Japanese armed forces.
Similar instructions are being sent to the American Consul General at Shanghai, who will immediately discuss this matter with the Japanese Consul General.