793.94/5462: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 1—6:03 a.m.]
882. Your 230, July 29, 6 p.m.98 Question, if it should arise, will be very difficult for us to handle. I anticipate that the diplomatic body may act as a whole to endeavor to persuade Japanese to retire or to be interned. Japanese attitude in the past, however, has been that they are acting to protect lives and property and I anticipate that they will refuse to retire or be interned. Should the question arise I shall here urge my colleagues to recommend joint action at Tokyo and we will do what we can to persuade the Japanese to leave protection of their people and their Legation to us.