793.94/5235: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 18—9:30 a.m.]
250. My telegram No. 236, May 12 [11], 9 a.m., regarding Japanese incident of May 3.
As Senior Consul I recently called on the Japanese Consul in charge and showed him protest from Municipal Council, a part of which was quoted in that telegram. He admitted that Japanese military had exceeded proper bounds and stated that he would bring protest to their attention. I then stated that it would be beneficial if an agreement could be reached which would define the limitation and objects of military activities within or on behalf of the Settlement; that I had no definite plan in mind but inquired whether he would be willing to discuss the matter with me and the proper officials of the International Settlement. He seemed sympathetically inclined but as he is merely temporarily in charge of the Consulate General I do not know whether anything will eventuate. I have also spoken to the Secretary General of the Municipal Council and he is considering the matter.
2. The foregoing is merely tentative but before proceeding further I desire to know whether there is any objection to my initiating informal discussions which would have for their object the devising of a plan or agreement which would prevent the usurpation of the Council’s authority in the International Settlement by military forces of any foreign power.
Repeated to the Legation.