793.94/10419
The British Embassy to the Department of State
Aide-Mémoire
His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom have instructed His Majesty’s Ambassador at Tokyo to inform the Japanese Government that His Majesty’s Government must take strong exception to the use of the International Settlement as a base of operations. Sir Robert Craigie has been asked to point out that the presence of Japanese troops in the Settlement has no justification except as a measure of defence of an area in which foreign countries generally are concerned. To go beyond this brings into question the whole status of the Settlement and jeopardises the immense interests of other countries in it. His Majesty’s Government must therefore protest against any action of the kind.
[Page 561]Sir Robert Craigie has been instructed to consult with his United States colleague before taking action, and His Majesty’s Government would be glad to learn whether the United States Government would be prepared to instruct the United States Ambassador at Tokyo to make similar representations.