793.94/2675: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 14—6:42 a.m.]
The following telegram has been sent to the Legation today:
“November 14, noon. The arrangement arrived at between the Chinese and Japanese by which Chinese police search for plainclothes men in the 300-meter zone came into force this morning and has worked so far without friction. Plan contemplates clearing out two sections of area today and the remainder tomorrow and next day. Consular body considered this morning a proposal made by the Consuls that neutral observers representing the body be sent to the zone to watch the proceedings. In view of fact that inspection under [Page 440] plan now in force seemed working smoothly today and further fact that Japanese Consul was not in position to agree to presence of neutral observers in zone without first consulting with his military authorities and submitting matter to Tokyo for instructions, consular body deferred action pending outcome of plan now in force. Japanese Consul General let it be known that he felt the matter could be and was being amicably adjusted between the Japanese and Chinese authorities. The situation is much improved today and if no untoward incident occurs during the clearing-out process, the Chinese police will be in complete reoccupation of the 300-meter zone in a few days and in some parts of the zone before nightfall. Much of the trouble in getting the agreement down to a working basis has been due to distrust on both sides. Repeated to the Department and Nanking.”