793.94/3756: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 31—6:50 a.m.]
Referring to the Department’s telegram of January 30, 4 [8?] p.m.,5 I am of the opinion that during the 29th International Settlement was used as a base of operations. Technically at the present moment there is considerable doubt as to whether this is true. There is no question but that in the event of hostilities developing they intend to use International Settlement as a base. All depends on developments, but the intention to use the Settlement as a base is undoubted in my opinion. The Japanese occupy the tongue most of which is Chinese territory. The Japanese headquarters is on an extra-Settlement Road. All landing [Page 142] parties pass through Settlement to reach their bases on North Szechuan and Gordon Roads. Colonel Hooker, commanding marines, informs me that there is no doubt that they are using the Yangtzepoo area and Hongkew area as a base, as all Japanese landing parties march through this area to the front.
I hope a protest will be made.
Repeated to Peiping and Nanking.
- Text reads: “It is reported that the Japanese are using the International Settlement as a base of operations. Please confirm or deny promptly since if this is the case I wish to protest to the Japanese Government. Stimson.” (793.94/3758d)↩