793.94/4181: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 14—3 a.m.]
48. Your telegram No. 22, February 13, 2 p.m.22 Following protest dated February 13 was made to Japanese Consul General on the basis of Department’s February 11, 6 p.m.22
“I have the honor to refer to a telephone communication from your Consulate General at 3:20 o’clock this afternoon informing me that Japanese troops were expected to land at the Nippon Yusen Kaisha Wayside wharf in the International Settlement tomorrow, February 14.
[Page 193]In connection therewith, I have to state that on behalf of the American Government I protest against any use whatever by either of the disputants of any part of the International Settlement as a base or channel in connection with military operations.”
British Consul General informs me that he is today making similar protest under the direction of his Minister against the use of the Settlement as a base for military operations unconnected with the defense of the Settlement. I am taking up question with my French colleague and will telegraph his attitude later.
Repeated to the Legation, Nanking, Tokyo, for information.