493.11 Shanghai/12: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 23—10:50 a.m.]
100. Since commencement of hostilities in and about Shanghai considerable American property has been damaged. Some of this damage has been brought about by direct military action and some through the lack of protection in those areas in which Municipal Police were unable to exercise their police powers. In each case in which damages are reported to this Consulate General by American citizens a despatch is addressed either to the Chinese or Japanese depending upon the area in which property is located. If the property is within the International Settlement a despatch is also being addressed to the Shanghai Municipal Council. In addressing despatches to Japanese or Chinese authorities instructions are requested as to the appropriateness of including a clause such as follows: [Page 420]
“Authorities will be held responsible for all damages and losses to American individuals or firms and that this Consulate General reserves the right to address you further regarding a claim for damages and losses suffered.”