793.94/8894: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 21—11:35 a.m.]
Department’s July 20, 5 p.m. Manifestations of anti-Japanese sentiment in Hankow have been almost totally absent during the past 3 months and Japanese trade has apparently flourished. Early in June a Japanese alleged geologist was detained near Ichang apparently on account of espionage but turned over to Japanese Consul at Ichang. In view of situation in North there is at present surprisingly little manifestation of anti-Japanese feeling here. Japanese move freely about the streets and according to the Acting Japanese Consul General there has been only one very minor case of annoyance. Domei News Agency reports that its Chinese translator was captured by Chinese soldiers July 17 but later released. Japanese have about 300 marines in their concession and both Chinese and Japanese are taking certain military precautions. An officer of this Consulate General called on Acting Japanese Consul General this afternoon and received the impression that latter, while naturally apprehensive regarding local developments in case of possible war, felt that to date conditions at Hankow were no cause for alarm.
Sent to Peiping and Nanking.