793.94/16074
The Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs (Arita) to the American Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
Excellency: For some time past the air forces of the Imperial army and navy have been attacking enemy forces and establishments in and around Chungking. It is planned to increase hereafter the severity of these attacks. In the city of Chungking there are American citizens and American interests to which the Imperial forces are endeavoring by every means to prevent injury. It is an incontrovertible fact, however, that the Chinese forces frequently approach third country establishments and construct anti-aircraft gun emplacements and other military facilities. For this reason, it is feared that in spite of the extreme care exercised by the Imperial forces, in the midst of severe fighting it will not be possible to prevent unavoidable incidents affecting American citizens and establishments.
The Japanese Government urges, accordingly, that the American Government take prompt measures to evacuate to a safe place temporarily, until the termination of our bombardment of Chungking, American officials and citizens. The Japanese Government does not intend to attack the areas southward from Tan Tze Shih on the south bank of the Yangtze River facing the city of Chungking to Lung Men Lao (not including Hai Tong Chi). The Japanese Government cannot, however, accept responsibility should unforeseen circumstances arise if American officials and nationals remain in areas other than those mentioned above.
I avail myself [etc.]