Office of the Historian

793.94/10822: Telegram

The Commander in Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet (Yarnell) to the Chief of Naval Operations

[Shanghai,] October 24, 1937.
[Received 11:05 p.m.]

0024. Following letter sent to Vice Admiral Hasegawa commanding Third Japanese Fleet this date:

“My dear Admiral Hasegawa: During the past two months Japanese shells and bombs have fallen in the sector of the International Settlement defended by the United States marines as follows:

  • September 2d. Shrapnel shell from Hongkew Park batteries fell near post number 8 without exploding. Shrapnel fragments fell near post 6-afirm.
  • September 9th. Nine 72-milimeter shrapnel shell fell in second battalion sector near Foo Sing Mill. Base of 9–inch shell fell near post number 4.
  • September 27th. One shell fell at Sing Yue Mill.
  • October 2d. Twelve shells fell near junction of Robinson Road and Soochow Creek. Shells approximately five inches in diameter.
  • October 14th. Two bombs fell near corner of Changping and Markham Roads. Forty casualties among noncombatants.
  • October 15th. One large shell fell near Gordon Road.
  • October 22d. A bomb fell at corner of Sinza and Myburg Road causing about fifty casualties among noncombatants.

In addition to the above, anti-aircraft fragments and shells have fallen in this sector on 29 different days.

Japanese planes loaded with bombs have at times flown directly over this part of the Settlement.

Representations have been made by the marine commander to the commanding officer of the naval landing party on a number of occasions, requesting that more care be observed with reference to bombs and shell[s] falling in the Settlement, and assurances have been given that this would be done.

It is obvious, however, judging from the bomb that was dropped in the Settlement on October 22d, that these assurances have little weight.

I am confident that you realize the necessity of avoiding any action that would result in loss of life of personnel of the Marines Brigade defending this sector and may I request and urge that steps be taken by the forces responsible for the above-mentioned incidents to prevent their recurrence in the future.

I am, very sincerely, H. E. Yarnell, Admiral U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief U. S, Asiatic Fleet.” 1200.16

  1. Under instructions from the Department of State, oral representations of a similar nature were made by the Embassy in Japan to the Japanese Foreign Office on October 27, 1937 (793.94/10819, 10856, 11115).↩