893.20 Short, Robert M./7: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham)
Washington, March 3, 1932—7
p.m.
73. For the Consul General and the Minister. Shanghai’s 114, February 26, 5 p.m., and Department’s 57, February 26, 5 p.m., to Shanghai.36
- 1.
- In addition to the reference to Section 4090 of the Revised Statutes, as amended by the Act of June 30, 1906,37 creating the United States Court for China, the Department suggests also for your consideration and that of the District Attorney reference to Section 5281 of the Revised Statutes, as amended by the Act of March 4, 1909, (Title 18, Section 21, page 460,38 United States Code).
- 2.
- The Department desires that, in the light of the Statutes referred to above, you discuss with the District Attorney the question of the advisability of publishing a notice in or releasing a statement to the press at Shanghai and at Washington inviting the attention of American citizens to these Statutes and pointing out that, aside from any [Page 505] action that might be taken against them for violating these Statutes, the American Government is not prepared to extend protection to American citizens who become actively involved in armed encounters between these two powers; and telegraph results of consultation, together with your comment and the text of any notice recommended for publication or statement for release. The Department has not concluded there is necessity for a notice but desires your views.
- 3.
- Meanwhile, the Consul General should refrain from further reply to the letter received by him from the Japanese Consul General.
Stimson