Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1937, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/10150: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)

Washington, September 20, 1937—7 p.m.

219. Your 395, September 20, 8 p.m.

1. I asked the Japanese Ambassador to call this afternoon.³⁶ I pointed out to him that we were deeply concerned with regard to the announced plans of the Japanese naval forces to bomb Nanking. I told him that the notice gave insufficient time for the American Ambassador and other American nationals to arrange for measures toward ensuring the safety of the American Embassy and of American property. I stressed that the shortness of the notice was extremely regrettable. I told the Ambassador that we were seriously concerned not only with regard to the safety of the American Embassy and of American nationals at Nanking but also with regard to the unfortunate repercussions which would arise should the city of Nanking be subjected to a general bombing which would lay waste large sections of the city and kill and injure non-combatants. I said that regardless of whether such destruction was premeditated or accidental, the Japanese attack would arouse widespread and hostile criticism. I told the Ambassador that you had already approached the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the subject.³⁷ The Ambassador said that he had received a telegraphic report in regard to your conversation with the Foreign Minister and that according to his telegram the Foreign Minister had pointed out that Japanese bombing operations would be directed at Chinese military establishments and that the foreign diplomatic establishments and non-combatants were to be avoided. I pointed out to the Ambassador that it seemed highly desirable that, if the bombing attack were to be carried out, the bombing be postponed and that it be restricted in area. The Ambassador said that he would telegraph his Government tonight reporting this conversation and the American Government’s concern.

2. In reply to the Department’s inquiry, the American Embassy at London telegraphs that the British Foreign Office is sending a telegram to the British Ambassador at Tokyo directing the British Ambassador to make representations to the Japanese Government. Please inform your British colleague of the action already taken by you and of my conversation here with the Japanese Ambassador.³⁸

Moore

36. See memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs, September 20, Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 502.
37. See telegram No. 395, supra, and memorandum by the Ambassador in Japan, September 20, Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 500.
38. See note No. 780 from the American Ambassador in Japan to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, September 22, ibid., p. 504.