Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, Japan, 1931–1941, Volume I

893.102 Tientsin/697

The Japanese Ministry for Foreign Affairs to the American Embassy in Japan

undated

[Translation]

No. 95, Asia I

Note Verbale

The Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the honor to make the following reply to the various points concerning the situation in Tientsin mentioned in the pro memoria which Ambassador Grew handed to Mr. Tani, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, on April 23, 1940.

(1) According to the memorandum submitted by Ambassador Grew, an American lady bearing a special pass was recently involved in an unpleasant altercation at the International Bridge because she declined to alight from her car and was allowed to pass only after the officer in command of the barrier guard had seized her pass. Investigations conducted by the Japanese authorities reveal that in Tientsin recently there were individuals who remodeled the seats, etc., inside automobiles and attempted to carry into the concession certain articles and materials concealed therein. The barrier guard at times examines the inside of automobiles. In this instance the American lady not only refused to obey the order of the sentries to alight from her car but also assumed a very arrogant attitude and put out her tongue thereby insulting the sentries. In principle it is stated on a special pass that the bearer may pass without undergoing inquiries in ordinary times, but the authorities of various Powers have already been informed that individuals may at times be ordered to alight from their cars. The sentries, after consultation with the officer in command, therefore seized the special pass in question. The American Vice Consul later approached the detachment directly concerned with the barrier guard, and demanded the return of the special pass. The American lady has also visited the detachment and expressed her regret, whereupon the special pass was returned to her.

(2) Regarding the incident on April 17, 1940, in which an American lady was compelled to alight from her carat the barrier on Nikolai Road and to walk, inquiries are being made of the detachment concerned but no report has as yet been received. It should be noted nevertheless that at this barrier individuals passing there have frequently expressed an arrogant attitude and irritated the sentries, thereby giving rise to incidents. As a principle, therefore, individuals passing there have temporarily been required to alight from their cars at points where sentries are on duty and then to pass. (This principle has now been rescinded). In the vicinity of the above-mentioned barrier, there are stationed a number of soldiers and it was by chance that the American lady in this case encountered them at such a place. It is not believed that the American lady was forced to walk through a group of Japanese soldiers for their particular amusement.

(3) The pro memoria submitted by Ambassador Grew states that even after permission to pass has been given, sentries frequently stand motionless in the narrow passage making it difficult for automobiles to pass. It is a fact that at the barriers, passages are made narrow in order to facilitate control and sentries standing in passages order all passers-by to stop once and then the latter are allowed to pass without delay when the required procedure has been completed. It is not impossible, however, that among sentries there might be some who, under the influence of a passing sentiment, might at times assume an attitude such as described in the pro memoria. For this reason, the Japanese military authorities concerned have already issued orders eliciting the special attention of those in charge. It is desired to direct attention to the fact that incidents of this kind depend in great measure upon the attitude of the individual passing the barrier.

(4) The entry into the concessions of a shipment of cloth is generally prohibited. This, fact has already been notified to the American authorities in that area.

It should be noted in this connection that it is not true that for the past month the Japanese military authorities in Tientsin have altered their policy or particularly strengthened inquiries and inspections. The Japanese authorities are consistently doing all in their power to lessen, in so far as possible, all inconveniences to which nationals of third countries, including Americans, of good will might be subjected.¹⁰

10. The barriers surrounding the foreign concessions at Tientsin were removed on June 20, 1940, following the signing of an arrangement between Great Britain and Japan relating to local issues at Tientsin, signed June 19, 1940 (893.102 Tientsin/701, 691).