793.94/4462: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 27—10:40 a.m.]
122. My telegram No. 73, February 18, 7 p.m. Replies have been received to Senior Consul’s letter February 18 to Mayor and Japanese Consul General regarding maintenance of trade and shipping.
Japanese reply dated 24th states inter alia:
“It has been the policy of the Japanese Government to cooperate with other powers concerned in keeping the trade and shipping of the port of Shanghai not interfered with, and the present crisis causes no alternative [alteration?] in this policy of my Government.”
Chinese reply also dated 24th states:
“So far as the necessity of devising ways and means to keep up the commerce and shipping of Shanghai is concerned, the interested Chinese authorities and myself are in sympathy with you and your colleagues. This is why China has spared no effort in the maintenance and protection of the commercial and shipping interests of Shanghai since the outbreak of local hostilities and it is presumed that you are aware of the exertion on her part. The Chinese authorities sincerely and deeply regret, however, that the utilization of the Settlement area by the Japanese troops as a base of attack on the Chinese forces and the carrying out of their aggressive policy have already produced a most disastrous effect upon the commerce and shipping of the powers [Page 456] at Shanghai. It is a matter of record that I have definitely and repeatedly told you and the representatives of the other friendly powers with whom the responsibilities should rest.
In view of your letter under acknowledgment, besides communicating with the Chinese authorities concerned so that they may continue the effort to maintain and protect the commerce and shipping of Shanghai, I have to transmit this reply for your information.”
Copy to the Minister. Repeated to the Legation.