793.94/4180: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 14—5:07 a.m.]
47. Department’s February 11, 5 p.m.41a The safety of American nationals and the Settlement would best be conserved for the moment by the complete withdrawal of the Japanese forces. Their presence is one of the serious provocations that threatens the Settlement which is the haven for foreigners. To attempt to secure this withdrawal would be both impossible and impracticable. The present Japanese force could not advance without military reenforcements. The Chinese military are not out of control but acknowledge no authority, national, other than their commanders. The Chinese Army is continually being reenforced and also is strengthening its defense entanglements.… During the conflict the Settlement must suffer much loss of property and possibly life. I realize that the foregoing is an unsatisfactory comment but it presents the case as clearly as I am able to do.
2. I am informed by the Japanese Consul General that there are no Japanese civilians outside the limits of the defense force, that is the Settlement and the tongue.
Repeated to Peiping, copy to Minister.
- Not printed.↩