393.1163 Nantungchow/2: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 20—9:55 a.m.]
285. Reference Gauss’ telegram of August 19, 2 p.m., regarding bombing by Japanese planes of American Mission at Nantungchow. Senior aide to Navy Minister called Assistant Naval Attaché to his [Page 270] office this noon to express regret and to give his assurances that it had not been deliberate, but probably due to bad weather (visibility) and indistinct bombing objectives. He asked for detailed list of places where Americans and American interests were centered in order that Japanese aircraft units might be given orders to take precautions. Such a list as furnished by Consul General Gauss and supplied by us this morning to the Foreign Office was given him.
Repeated to Shanghai.