793.94/10585: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11—11:56 a.m.]
795. [Here follows quotation from General Matsui’s declaration of October 8; see telegram No. 826, October 8, 2 p.m., page 587.]
This is the first statement of policy from the Japanese Army forces brought to my attention. It would appear from the telegram that it is issued on Chinese soil; that it is significant in that it now definitely separates the Japanese military effort at Shanghai from any connection with the defense of Japanese interests within the International Settlement and raises points definitely for the right of the Japanese to continue to jeopardize the International Settlement by using any part of it for their military purposes. Their presence in any part of [Page 595] the International Settlement will endanger lives and property of other nationals.
Sent to Department, repeated to Shanghai, Peiping. Shanghai repeat to Tokyo.