Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/3724: Telegram

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

Washington, January 30, 1932—2 p.m.

Your January 30, 4 p.m.

1. I desire that you as American Consul General urge that questions relating to disposition of foreign forces under defense scheme be referred to senior officer of the defense forces. I desire further that you as American Consul General inform the Commanding Officer of American forces that the American Government desires that every reasonable means possible be taken to avoid a clash between American and Japanese forces. I urge that the utmost forbearance be observed and that every effort be made to remove by conciliation any friction that may develop between the American and other defense forces.

2. I desire that you as Senior Consul present to the consular body the protest filed by the Chairman of the Municipal Council. With regard to the general protest against the violation of the neutrality of the Settlement and the protest against the use of the Settlement as a base of operations by the Japanese forces against the Chinese forces, I suggest that consular body discuss these questions and report their views to the various Ministers concerned for reference to their respective Governments.⁸⁵

3. Minister Johnson is leaving Peiping for Nanking on January 31. Keep him fully informed.

Stimson

85. In telegram of January 31, 7 p.m., the Consul General replied: “The Department’s suggestion will be considered by the Committee.” (793.94/3770)