793.94/9037: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
133. Your 230, July 28, 5 p.m.18
1. Department’s 128, July 27, 1 p.m.,19 which I personally signed, was an instruction calling, in its second paragraph, for action in the light of and based on information given us and repeated to you in part in the first paragraph, which information related to a threatened attack on and in Peiping. I regret that our telegram did not make absolutely clear the integral relationship between the two paragraphs.
Department’s 129, July 27, 6 p.m., was a brief “for information” message sent you later in the day mentioning answers given in press conference to only two among a number of questions asked and answered. You will note that it contains no reference to telegram 128.
By noting Department’s telegram 130, July 27, 7 p.m., which contains an express reference to telegram 128, you will see what I had especially in mind in giving the instruction conveyed in my telegram 128. I gave you, however, expressly, your discretion in the matter, and I am in no way dissatisfied with your handling of it.
2. Beginning on July 12, I have repeatedly urged on both the Japanese and the Chinese that hostilities be avoided and peace be kept. We were, however, on July 27 (our date), and we have been since, especially solicitous that a general attack upon and in Peiping such as had been reported intended should not be proceeded with. I have no hesitation in urging that such an attack be not made. Immediately after sending you Department’s telegram 128, I expressly authorized the action taken here as reported to you in Department’s telegram 130.
3. It is our intention, as regards the general course of our diplomatic effort in regard to the present north China situation, not to make uncalled for and likely to be futile protests or gestures of interference; but, when, where and as it seems to us that action on this Government’s part on behalf of peace or toward safeguarding lives of our nationals or calling attention to American rights and interests is warranted and may serve a useful purpose I shall be inclined toward taking such action.
[Page 298]4. In view of the radio bulletin service, telegraphic reports of press conferences are likely to be few and sketchy.