793.94/3928: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 3—6:55 p.m.]
My telegram February 3, 2 a.m., transmitting protest by Defense Committee. I, as Senior Consul, have just received a note from Chairman, Shanghai Municipal Council, conveying Council’s strongest support [Page 201] of Defense Committee’s protest and asking that urgent representations be made to Japanese authorities. The Chairman’s letter further states as follows:
“I would also direct your attention to the exceedingly grave situation which has arisen through the activities of Japanese armed forces and armed civilians in the northern and eastern areas of the Settlement, where their actions have resulted in the disruption of the public services and infused terror amongst the inhabitants. In particular I would refer to the fact that members of the municipal police and police watchmen have been forcibly deprived of their arms and ammunition and prevented from executing their duty; members of the fire brigade, whilst on duty and in uniform, have been obstructed and assaulted; and the utmost difficulty has been experienced in the conduct of food and hospital services on account of the obstruction of Japanese naval and civilian patrols and pickets.
I have accordingly the honor to request you to make immediate representations to the Japanese authorities urging upon them the necessity of their desisting forthwith from interfering with the Council’s functions and of their assisting in every way possible in the restoration to the Council’s police and volunteer corps of the function of maintaining law and order in the areas affected.”
2. A consular body meeting is called for February 4th. I assume that my instructions are sufficient to join my colleagues in making the representations requested.
Repeated to the Legation and Nanking for information.