793.94/4543: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 3—9:15 a.m.]
49. A few minutes before the opening of the Assembly meeting Sato handed me the following message: [Page 497]
“In view of the retreat of the Chinese forces beyond 20 kilometers to the north of Shanghai the Japanese troops stopped on a line situated at about that distance. The Japanese troops will abstain from all acts of hostilities except those of a strictly defensive nature and will take all measures necessary to the security of inhabitants. The Japanese commanders have made public a declaration to this effect (evening of March 3rd local time).”