793.94/8421: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 8—9:40 a.m.]
254. 1. Some observers in Tokyo believe that the landing of Japanese marines in Tsingtau has a political rather than a defensive background. They base their opinion on the following facts and theories: (a) a landing force of 800 men appears to be excessive under the circumstances; (b) the Sino-Japanese diplomatic negotiations having been suspended, the landing of marines in Tsingtau may be the first step in a policy of bringing stronger military pressure to bear on China, possibly with a view to forcing the reopening of the negotiations; and (c) Tsingtau being a vital strategic point for any Japanese military action against China, the Japanese may have used the strike as an excuse to take over control of the city. The Naval and Military Attachés of the Embassy are inclined to concur in these views.
[Page 408]2. Without ruling out the possibilities implied in paragraph 1 (c), the Embassy considers it also possible that the landing of the unusually large force at Tsingtau may have been intended as a demonstration to the Chinese of the reported determination of the Japanese to take “self-defensive” measures for the protection of Japanese nationals and interests should all diplomatic negotiations to this end definitely cease.
3. The Military Attaché of the Embassy in a conversation with the assistant Liaison Officer of the War Office today was told that the tension in Tsingtau had relaxed, the Chinese forces having been withdrawn from contact with the Japanese forces; that the Mayor of Tsingtau had been instructed by Chiang Kai Shek not to aggravate the situation; that the Mayor was showing “sincerity” in complying with the Japanese demands; and that the Japanese demands on the Mayor were substantially as published in the press. (The demands as reported by Domei were: (a) the dissolution of the Tsingtau branches of the Kuomintang; (b) punishment of municipal officials who have been backing the strikers; (c) apology by the Mayor, and (d) expulsion of “irregular” Koreans from the city.)
Repeated to Peiping.