894.00/388: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Neville) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 15—10:35 a.m.]
126. I am informed orally by the Foreign Office that the Prime Minister was shot early this evening and is now in critical condition. An attack was also made on Count Makino’s residence but he escaped injury as he was not at home. The attackers appear to have ridden about the city in several automobiles and to have been dressed in military and naval uniforms. In passing the metropolitan police office one party discharged several pistol shots causing at least one fatality. The Seiyukai headquarters and other places are reported bombed.
I understand that some 18 attackers have been apprehended or have given themselves up. They claim to be members of the young officers’ association who are opposed to weakness and corruption in government and to capitalism.
Otherwise the city appears quiet. I have no reason to anticipate danger to Americans here or to the Embassy, and no antiforeign feeling is manifest.