393.115/266: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 17—6:56 a.m.]
315. Our 308, May 14, 11 a.m. and Department’s 171, May 16, 7 p.m.6 return of American citizens to interior points in China.
[Page 764]In an extensive discussion this morning with the Minister for Foreign Affairs I made strong representations along the lines of Shanghai’s 639, May 11, 11 a.m.,7 supported by a signed note.8 I spoke of the unnecessary hardship caused by the refusal of the Japanese military authorities to grant to Americans passes to peaceful areas where Japanese civilians are freely permitted to go, including some 800 already reported in Nanking. I said that American missionaries and businessmen are becoming increasingly restive at this arbitrary interference with their legitimate interests which cannot be explained by pleading the dangers of the war zone and that I fear serious repercussion in the American press and among the American public if such treatment continues, especially as it runs directly counter to repeated assurances given us by the Japanese Government that American rights and interests in China will be respected.
The Minister replied that he believes the Japanese civilians are permitted to proceed to interior points for the specific purpose of catering to the Japanese forces but that he is surprised by the facts which I gave him and will promptly look into the situation.
Repeated to Shanghai for Hankow.