793.94/10504: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 8—6:30 a.m.]
826. Lehrbas, Associated Press correspondent, has handed me following advance text of a proclamation to be issued at 4 o’clock this afternoon Shanghai time by Japanese:
“Charged by His Majesty the Emperor with the task of heading the Shanghai expeditions, I have landed in Chinese soil south of the Yangtze. The Japanese Army left the country prepared to use every means within its power to subdue its opponents.
[Page 588]The objectives of the Japanese expeditionary forces are, as clearly set forth in statements issued by the Japanese Government, not only to protect the vested interests of Japan and the lives and property of the Japanese residing in the affected area, but also to [scourge] the Chinese Government and Army who have been pursuing anti-foreign and anti-Japanese policies in collaboration with Communist influences. In short, the mission of the Japanese Army is to establish the foundations for a firm and lasting peace in East Asia.
We cannot but feel sorry for the many innocent persons who are unfortunately living in the area of hostilities, and it goes without saying that the Japanese Army has no enmity toward the Chinese people in general. However, against those who bear arms against Japan, the Japanese Army will show no mercy.
Toward the officials and nationals of foreign powers who have suffered from the hostilities or who have been threatened with injury to their persons or property, we express our deepest sympathies.
The Japanese Army will leave nothing undone to respect and protect the lives and property of nationals of third powers.
With the close cooperation of the naval forces, the Japanese expeditionary force is determined to clear the skies of ominous clouds and I am confident that the day is not so far off when the light of peace will shine again. (Signed) Iwane Matsui, General, Commander in Chief of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces to Shanghai, October 8, 1937.
He is filing press report immediately after release but fears it may not be passed by censors. In handing me the information for the Department he requests that if it is possible McDermott2 hand copy to Associated Press.
- Michael J. McDermott, Chief of the Division of Current Information.↩