393.1164 University of Shanghai/68
Memorandum by the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
I called this morning on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, General Ugaki, at the Gaimusho, and made full representations regarding the University of Shanghai. My presentation was prepared in the form of the attached statement18 in order to convenience the English interpreter, Mr. Tsuchiya, and to leave a precise although informal record of what I said. At the same time a signed note was left with the Minister.19 (Department’s 260, July 28, 5 p.m., and Shanghai’s 1039, July 27, 3[5] p.m.20)
After listening carefully to my presentation the Minister said that long consideration and the best efforts of the Japanese authorities had already been given to this subject. The Japanese point of view of the situation is somewhat different from the American point of view. This is not a question of arbitrary interference but simply a matter of military secrecy and it is imperative for the Japanese military authorities to restrict the occupation of the University by civilians because it is adjacent to an airplane base and an ammunition warehouse. In the Minister’s opinion the military authorities are justified in declining to allow many civilians to return to the University or to open it at this time. The Minister sees our point of view and feels that there is good reason for allowing at least several Americans to return to the University as housekeepers. He feels however that legal ownership has been returned to the mission by the evacuation of the Japanese troops. The Minister takes exception to the supposition that the Japanese authorities hope that the property will become useless to its owners thereby making possible its purchase. He stated categorically that there is no intention to purchase. The Minister says that he understands the situation because Japanese officials have recently been recalled from Shanghai to report on this question. He further states that a prominent Christian member of the House of Representatives, Daikichiro Tagawa, will shortly proceed to China to study at first hand the missionary problems there and the Minister expects that helpful results will spring from this visit. He hopes for a solution of the question of the University of Shanghai “in the near future.”
[Page 779]I stated clearly that the owners cannot recognize that there has been a return of the property under present conditions and that my Government feels that the evacuation does not in any way lessen the responsibility of the Japanese Government for damages to the property and for losses suffered by the mission arising out of Japanese occupation and control. I pointed out to the Minister that from what he had said to me it might appear that the restrictions against the reoccupation and opening of the University would be of a permanent nature. The Minister replied definitely to the contrary and said that all would depend on the outcome of the present military drive towards Hankow. The Minister said that he was no longer in close touch with military developments but as a former officer of some experience he could state as a personal and private observation that after the fall of Hankow the Shanghai base would be shifted probably some time during the coming autumn. I replied that I would report his statements to my Government.
I think from the nature of our note and my oral presentation today our position is fully reserved.