793.94/8921: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 22—10:55 a.m.]
384. 1. In conversation this morning with the Acting [British Consul General] and the Secretary General of the Shanghai Municipal Council, we agreed that in event of disturbances at Shanghai the Council should avoid declaring a state of emergency and calling on the foreign military and naval forces to put into effect their so-called defense plan. That plan includes the Japanese forces, the Japanese commandant would be the senior commandant, and if the plan were [Page 245] put into force it might be used by the Japanese to justify invasion of Chapei as in 1932.
2. I later talked with the American chairman of the Municipal Council and also with commander of United States Marines who are in agreement with the above. I understand from British Consul General that his military commandant is also of like opinion.
3. If disorders occur the Secretary General of the Council tells me that he will advise the Council to use the police reserves and corps, and only in event the situation cannot be met by such forces would he recommend consultation with the American and British consular and military authorities as to possible measures to support the police in maintaining order in the areas known as the British and American sectors.
4. I do not wish to be understood from the foregoing, however, as suggesting that our marines and naval forces are not necessary at the present time for the protection of Americans in this area.
To the Department, to Peiping, courier to Nanking.