703.94/3725
The British Embassy to the Department of State
Aide-Mémoire
His Majesty’s Government fully share the anxiety of the United States Government to take any effective and timely action calculated to diminish the dangers of the situation between China and Japan. They have instructed His Majesty’s Ambassador at Tokio to notify the Japanese Government, as suggested, that nothing in the present situation could justify the entry of Japanese armed forces into the International Settlement at Shanghai. His Majesty’s Ambassador has been instructed to inform his United States Colleague of his action. It is assumed that the latter is similarly authorized. His Majesty’s Government have also invited the French and Italian Governments to take similar action.
They feel some anxiety lest the Japanese may seek to defend the action which it is feared they may take, by quoting the precedent of 1926, even though the circumstances were different. It is felt therefore that the representations made should bear this point in mind.
On January 28 the Secretary of the Japanese Embassy left a message at the Foreign Office to the effect that the Chinese menacing attitude was causing anxiety to the Japanese residents in Shanghai. It was feared that in order to check anticipated Chinese movements, some drastic action might have to be taken. The Japanese authorities on the spot however were alive to the international character of Shanghai and were keeping in contact with the Consuls of the Powers interested and with the Municipality.
Sir John Simon sent for the Secretary and asked what drastic action was contemplated. The Secretary suggested that the first step would [Page 94] be to suppress by force the headquarters of the anticipated Chinese movement in the Settlement. Sir John Simon expressed grave concern. He pointed out that a number of Governments were jointly concerned in the area. If any action in it were necessary, all the different Powers concerned should be informed and invited to act jointly.