893.512/1429: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 10—7 a.m.]
44. Embassy’s 19, October 1, 5 p.m. Canton reported October 7, 10 p.m. that the Swatow situation was felt in Chinese official circles to have increased in seriousness with Admiral Shimamura’s demands that there be immediate release of Japanese goods held and that there shall be granted to Japanese merchants permission to import rice into Swatow and its hinterland without the payment of other than the regular customs taxes.
The following telegram has been received from Canton:
“October 9, noon. Japanese colonel representing Admiral Shimamura informed Li Hon Wen, Pacification Commissioner at Swatow, if the goods were not unconditionally released Admiral would send Japanese marines to Kityang to release them. Chinese now concentrating troops between Swatow and Kityang preparatory to blocking threatened move.”
By mail to Tokyo.