793.94/4513: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 1—11:20 a.m.]
133. My telegram 130, February 29, 6 p.m.26 Following is communiqué issued by Japanese Consulate General afternoon February 29th: [Page 484]
“Consul General K. Murai addressed a letter this morning to Mayor Wu Te-chen of Greater Shanghai which says in part as follows:
‘The Chinese military authorities are at present concentrating reenforcements in and around Shanghai and these forces are being transported mainly by railways.
This action on the part of the Chinese military authorities is liable to result in the extension of the scope of hostilities. Therefore if the concentration should be continued, the Japanese forces, in their self-defense, might be forced to destroy the railway lines and military trains between Kashing and Shanghai and between Soochow and Shanghai on and after March 2, 1932.
Under the circumstances while I will take steps to bring to the notice of the public the above in the hope that noncombatants in general may take all necessary precautions to avoid any possible danger, it is urgently hoped that you also will take appropriate measures in way of notifying the Chinese residents.’”
2. Press publishes this morning translation of reply from Mayor as follows:
“Mr. K. Murai, Japanese Consul General, Shanghai.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of February 29th, the contents of which are duly noted. In reply I should state that since the night of January 28 the Japanese forces have repeatedly invaded our territory and murdered our people; and their atrocities committed in violation of all international law and international treaties and against humanity have formed the subjects of my former protests to you. The action of the Chinese troops on the other hand have all been confined to self-defense. That the situation should have been aggravated has been due to the fact that your country has repeatedly sent reenforcements here, thereby adding to the catastrophe already endured.
If the Japanese forces should continue to attack our troops the latter could not but be compelled to adopt appropriate measures for self-defense and all responsibilities in this connection must rest entirely with you.
I have the honor to be, et cetera, Wu Te-chen.”
Repeated to the Legation and Nanking for information. Copy to the Minister.
- Not printed.↩