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

793.94/12063: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai ( Gauss )

Washington , January 15, 1938—4 p.m.

45. Reference your 63, January 12, noon. Please inform your Japanese colleague that while we are, as a matter of courtesy and practical expediency, informing the Japanese and Chinese authorities, when and so far as practicable, of the movement of our vessels, the implication contained in his letter that the navigation of American vessels on the Yangtze may be limited by Japanese military or naval stipulations is not acceptable and that we claim for our ships absolute freedom to move and trade on the Yangtze.

Please repeat your 63 and this instruction to Hankow and Tokyo for information only.

Hull