793.94/9005: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 27—11:10 a.m.]
226. 1. The Foreign Office states that text of Minister for Foreign Affairs’ address on foreign relations delivered this morning in the Diet has been telegraphed to Japanese Embassy at Washington for distribution.
2. An official statement released by the Cabinet this afternoon reaffirms the intention of the Japanese Government to take measures to maintain communications between Peiping and the sea and to protect nationals in that area. The statement declares that the Japanese Government has no territorial designs and that it will take every precaution to protect the rights in that area of the other powers. The statement concludes with an expression of hope that the Chinese Government will take measures to restrict the scope of the present [Page 275] difficulties in order that a satisfactory solution may be found as soon as possible.
3. The Cabinet’s statement while uncompromising in its content is believed to have been put out at this time in order to render more easy compliance by the 29th Army with the terms of the ultimatum delivered by the Japanese commander in the Peiping area to the Commander of the Chinese 29th Army. We understand that that ultimatum which is to expire tomorrow was given on the initiative of the Japanese commander himself but the Cabinet statement indicates that the Japanese commander will probably be given full authorization to act in the event that the ultimatum expires without compliance by the Chinese with its terms.
4. Information from reliable sources indicates that there are extensive movements of troops toward the southwest of Japan in various parts of the country and that the troops being moved contain a greater proportion of men from combat branches than has heretofore been noted. The Military Attaché88 believes, however, that thus far the movements are precautionary or preparatory in nature rather than part of a general mobilization.
5. Facts are elusive but the impression one obtains on all sides is that a crisis is approaching.
Repeated to Peiping.
- Lt. Col. William C. Crane.↩