793.94/4279: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, February 18, 1932—11
p.m.
[Received February 18—2 p.m.]
[Received February 18—2 p.m.]
My February 18, 8 p.m. Following is ultimatum delivered by Japanese commander to Chinese commander and telephoned me in English by Wellington Koo. Original is in Japanese.
- “1. The Chinese to evacuate completely from the first line by 7 a.m. on the morning of the 20th and to evacuate completely from the designated area by 5 p.m. the same day—all forces and other military establishments to be removed and no new establishments to be put up.
- 2. During the evacuation the Japanese will neither fire upon nor pursue the Chinese forces except that they will use airplane[s] to observe the progress of evacuation and after the evacuation the Japanese forces will retain only the district of the extra-Settlement roads including Hongkew Park.
- 3. They will send out officers to ascertain the sector of complete evacuation after the first line is evacuated.
- 4. The Chinese forces are to undertake the protection of Japanese nationals outside the areas evacuated. They reserve the right to take appropriate measures in case of failure effectively to suppress the plain-clothes men.
- 5. The protection of foreign nationals in the Shanghai neighborhood including the evacuated area is to be discussed separately.
- 6. Effective carrying out of the promise to suppress all anti-Japanese movements. This will be the subject of negotiations by the Japanese diplomatic officials.
- If the foregoing articles are not carried out the Japanese forces will be compelled to take necessary action, all consequences to rest with the Chinese Army.”
Koo informed me that he was awaiting action of the Government at Nanking to which ultimatum has been referred. He stated that he expected Government’s attitude would be unfavorable.
Johnson