Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/4294: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, February 19, 1932—1 p.m.
[Received February 19—6:20 a.m.]

My February 18, 8 p.m., and February 18, 11 p.m.

1. I have just met with my British and French colleagues, British, American and French Admirals being present and we discussed the situation. We agreed that we should avoid any action which would result in firing by our forces upon Chinese unless a direct and systematic attack on the International Settlement should be made.

2. It was agreed that military officers of the three countries and Italy should call upon Chinese military commander this afternoon to invite his attention to the landing of shells in the Hongkew area last night in the neighborhood of Japanese Consulate and state that we must hold Chinese responsible for damage to foreign life and property.

3. British, American, Italian and French Consuls General have arranged to visit Mayor this afternoon to make oral representations similar to those to be used with the military.

4. I am meeting with my British, French and Italian colleagues this afternoon for the purpose of calling with them upon the Japanese Minister at 3 o’clock with a view to calling his attention to the danger that will accrue to private life and property in Hongkew and adjacent areas due to proximity of Japanese military activities.⁷⁰ We will discuss beforehand what we are to say. My inclination is as outlined in my February 18, 8 p.m.

5. It occurs to me that our Governments should also make representations at Tokyo. Japanese argue they are defending Settlement against Chinese attack; that they have right to land forces in International Settlement for the purpose of protecting Japanese life and property.

6. Fact is that International Settlement is not being attacked by Chinese.

7. It is true that Japanese life and property is in danger. This is due to the fact that Japanese are pursuing policy here in Shanghai and elsewhere in China with which we have neither sympathy nor part. We certainly are not interested nor have we any sympathy with policy of demilitarization indicated in Japanese demands of last evening and I believe that the United States alone, or in conjunction with Great Britain and France, should publicly dissociate itself from such a policy.

8. With reference to Department’s telegram February 12, midnight, I have not been able to interest British Minister in question of such a statement chiefly because I have had little opportunity to see him alone in the present crisis here. I shall pursue the matter further, however, with a view to getting him to recommend such a step to his Government.

9. It occurs to me that the Department should consider whether it should not lodge with the Japanese Government a warning that we must hold Japanese Government accountable for all damage done to American life and property in this area. I gather that considerable damage has been suffered by American property and there is danger that a great deal more will be damaged or destroyed before this is over.

Johnson

70. For the Minister’s report, see telegram of February 19, 1932, 1 [5] p.m., Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 197.