793.94/4310: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State62
[Received February 18—5 p.m.]
Referring to my 6 p.m. of February 18th, have been advised this evening by Wellington Koo of the result of the conference. He states that terms have been referred to Nanking but he expected Nanking to refuse acceptance. He further states that if the ultimatum which they expect tonight includes the same terms as those submitted this morning it would not be accepted and that no doubt hostilities would begin again in due course. In view of this probability he stated that the General had requested that he see me and that I be informed unofficially of the danger to which all residents of the Hongkew section would be exposed from Chinese shells falling over and into that section and further suggested that I take steps to warn the American residents of this section. I contemplate a consultation this evening with the British Minister. I am inclined to notify my Japanese colleagues that we will hold Japan accountable for any injury to American lives or property which may be suffered as a result of hostilities brought on by Japanese attacks delivered from areas adjacent to such property within the International Settlement. I also propose to inform the Chinese Government that their disclaimer of responsibility for damage within the Settlement cannot be accepted.
[Page 382]I believe Japanese terms indicate that they do not expect Chinese to yield and that they are now following policy here in line with that which they have announced relative to the demilitarization of the Chinese ports. The commander in chief agrees that United States must avoid being forced into conflict with the Chinese in the support of such a policy. I intend to advise Cunningham to warn Americans who reside in Hongkew to avoid places where danger of shelling exists.
- This is a paraphrase of a telegram received by the Office of Naval Intelligence, Navy Department, for transmission to the Department of State.↩