793.94/9503: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 19—5 a.m.]
468. For the Commander in Chief.57 Following oral message just delivered to me by the Minister for Foreign Affairs:58
“The Chinese military authorities request all foreign warships and merchant ships in Shanghai to move to a distance at least 5 nautical miles away from any Japanese warship, failing which the Chinese military authorities would request the powers concerned to make the Japanese warships move away from their warships and merchant ships to a similar distance. If neither are complied with within 12 hours, the Chinese Government will not assume any responsibility for any damage which may be caused to the warships or merchant ships and they cannot be [held responsible?] during the engagements of the Chinese Air Force or other forces with the Japanese warships.”
Bearer of the communication could not say when the 12 hour period was to begin. I am discussing the matter with the British Ambassador and will send supplementary telegram.
Sent to Shanghai.