793.94/3654: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 27—6:28 a.m.]
Reference to this Consulate General’s telegram of January 25, 1 p.m.,53 and previous. Japanese Consul General, Murai, requested an interview with me. During the interview he stated that having received no reply to his demands he called on the Mayor of Greater Shanghai on the 25th. The Mayor requested further delay until the 13th [28th] before giving a definite answer. Murai stated that the Mayor was earnestly trying to reach a solution and that the difficulty arose from the fourth demand relative to suppression of anti-Japanese organizations which the Japanese regard as illegal in that their constitutions and by-laws favor seizure and confiscation of Japanese goods. Murai was of the opinion that the associations could be readily suppressed and that considerable headway had already been made in that [Page 71] direction by the Chinese authorities. I believe that he is counting on the Mayor being able to present the basis of an acceptable compromise leading to an amicable solution of the situation. Murai further stated that any action on the part of the Japanese military would be in the line of suppression of anti-Japanese associations and the recovery of confiscated goods. He pointed out that inasmuch as the Chinese were erecting barricades in and moving troops to strategic positions every day’s delay increased the effectiveness of the Chinese military. He promised to inform me and the Municipal Council of the Chinese reply and to give us advance notice of any military action to be taken. He further stated that no action will be taken until 40 hours after the delivery of an ultimatum.
Repeated to the Legation.