793.94/8666: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 23—1:15 p.m.]
304. Reference my No. 300, June 22, 3 p.m. At meeting of Joint Commission this afternoon the Japanese Consul General stated he had information that Chinese had fortified or were about to fortify Woosung forts, also that Peace Preservation Corps in “demilitarized zone” had been increased from 2,000 men to about 6,500 armed with tanks and other weapons approximating to regular troops. He considered these acts, if true, are to invoke 1932 truce agreement. Requested information from Chinese side and asked that Japanese be allowed to investigate, accompanied by neutral members.
Chinese delegate maintained that questions raised by Japanese do not come within provisions of 1932 agreement, objected to use of term “demilitarized zone” and declared fortification of Woosung whether true or not would not constitute violation of agreement or be matter for joint action.
Neutral members stated they were not in a position to express an opinion on the conflicting interpretations of 1932 agreement but inquired whether the Chinese delegate without prejudice to his stand and as a gesture of conciliation and good will was prepared to make any voluntary statement regarding Peace Preservation Corps and/or fortifications at Woosung. Chinese delegate replied that his authority as member of Joint Commission is limited and, therefore, he was unable to make even a voluntary statement without permission. Meeting then adjourned.
Full report follows by mail.29
Sent to the Department and Peiping.
- Not printed.↩