793.94/3797
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Nanking to the Chinese Legation10
Japan on the pretext of certain Japanese monks being beaten presented four demands to the Municipal Government of Greater Shanghai [Page 152] including the punishment of the culprits, indemnification of the sufferers and prohibition of anti-Japanese movements. Anxious not to disturb the commercial relations of Shanghai, the Mayor of Greater Shanghai Municipal Government made at noon of January 28 a reply recognized by the Japanese Consul-General to be satisfactory. To the great surprise the Admiral of the First Japanese Squadron demanded at mid-night of the Greater Shanghai Municipal Government to withdraw the Chinese troops from Chapei and its neighbourhood, and give the place to the Japanese troops for the purpose of defense. In the meantime, the Japanese Admiral dispatched land units to attack the Chinese troops, which continued on January 29, and set Chapei to conflagration by bombs from the Japanese airplanes. As a consequence of these wanton attacks, numerous civilians—inhabitants of this region—were killed; and many Chinese administrative, communication, and educational organizations, as well as important commercial buildings were destroyed. For self-defense and protection the Chinese troops were forced to resist. On the same day at 8 o’clock p.m. on the initiative of the Japanese Consul-General, both sides agreed to cease fighting, but very shortly afterwards fighting again resumed. To-day at 1 o’clock a.m. the Japanese troops violently attacked with their armoured cars and field guns, but they were repulsed. Up to the present, fighting has been continuing with increasing intensity, and the Japanese have been conducting their attacks in an unwarranted manner and without regard to any principles of international law.
- Copy of translation of telegram (received by the Legation January 30) transmitted to the Department by the Chinese Chargé under covering note of January 31, 1932.↩