793.94/8892: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Forbes) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 3—6:58 a.m.]
37. My telegram No. 34, February 2, 9 p.m.39 We urged the importance of an early decision. Today we are informed the Foreign Minister has visited Prince Saionji and cannot return until late tonight, and will give answer tomorrow morning. This indicates the momentous nature of the decision.
I feel I should have laid greater stress upon importance Yoshizawa gave to the idea of the Shanghai proposition regarded as distinct from movements affecting other parts of China.
It is confirmed that Admiral Nomura has been placed in charge of the Third Fleet, to be composed of ships operating in China waters.
The indications are that the Government has definitely decided to send a division of land forces to China, to a destination other than Shanghai. This information was given the newspapers last night but a ban was placed upon their publication or sending out by cable. Twelve days required to move the troops.
We are getting no direct reports from Shanghai. Would appreciate your instructing Cunningham to give us authoritative statements outstanding events such as reach the British Embassy here.