793.94/5722
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Chinese Legation13
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in receipt of a telegram from Peiping to the following effect:
British, French and American Legations all have observers at the battle front at Shanhaikwan. From their reports, the Legations are of the consensus opinion that the question as to who fired the first shot at Shanhaikwan is of no consequence. The fact is that the Japanese troops are on the offensive on Chinese soil which is a sufficient provocation in itself. On flimsy excuses, they employed the most powerful modern engine of war in a concentrated and ruthless bombardment of an innocent city and are now in occupation of foreign [Page 10] soil. At Geneva, the Chinese delegate should refuse to listen to the question as to who fired the first shot. The fact is that the fierce bombardment directed against Shanhaikwan, a Chinese city, was started by the Japanese with superior force and arms. The responsibility is on them entirely. All the Legations are reporting this fact to their respective governments.
- Copy of telegram transmitted to the Department by the Chinese Legation on January 6.↩