793.94/7359: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Neville) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 13—10:10 a.m.]
209. 1. With reference to the recent anti-Japanese incidents in Shanghai, the Director of the Bureau of Eastern Asiatic Affairs of the Foreign Office stated today to a member of the staff of the Embassy that:
- (a)
- He believed the incidents were due to communistic influences working on anti-Japanese sentiment.
- (b)
- The Foreign Office had made representations only requesting that the culprits be found and punished but reserving the right to make suitable representations when the background of the incidents becomes clear.
- (c)
- If the Chinese authorities do not take adequate action Japan will have to take steps to insure tranquillity in Shanghai which is Japan’s principal aim.
- (d)
- He did not however take any very serious view of the incidents and did not believe that they would result in military steps by the Japanese.
2. Questioned in regard to the Nippon Dempo report to the effect that the Kwantung Army has decided to perform “a certain duty” as a result of the Shanghai incidents, the director stated that this report was issued only to frighten the Nanking Government.
3. A spokesman for the Navy today informed the Naval Attaché of the Embassy that:
- (a)
- The Navy regards the killing of one of its sailors seriously but has no present plans and is watching developments.
- (b)
- There is no landing party in Shanghai outside the usual naval garrison.
- (c)
- If the situation in Shanghai goes beyond “reasonableness” the Navy will be obliged to take steps to protect Japanese nationals.
Repeated to Peiping.