793.94/11395: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 1—2 p.m.]
1057. The Japanese Assistant Military Attaché at noon today informed British military headquarters that it is the intention for a column of Japanese troops to march through the American and British sectors on Friday, the 3rd of December.
The British Major General is tonight addressing a communication to Major General Harada, Japanese Military Attaché, as follows:
“I am sure you must have realized at the conference held on Sunday that such a trip is very definitely against the wishes of the national commanders. Further, we were under the impression that you inferred that such action was not contemplated in the near future. If you intend to disregard our wishes we must point out that we cannot accept responsibility for any incident which may occur. We will, however, co-operate if you intend to take this action and make arrangements with the municipal police for the route to be cleared of refugees as far as is possible.”
Brigadier General Beaumont, United States Marine Corps, has added a signed endorsement that he is in complete agreement with the views expressed by the British Major General.
It would be exceedingly desirable that the Japanese be dissuaded from this unwise, unnecessary and possibly provocative demonstration.
Sent to Department, repeated to Tokyo.