793.94/9549: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 21—9:40 a.m.]
290. 1. An official of the Foreign Office called under instructions this morning at the Embassy to express regret over the casualties [Page 271] incurred by members of the crew of the Augusta now at Shanghai. The official stated that the Foreign Office had received no official report from Shanghai but that according to press reports the casualties were caused by a shell fired by the Chinese: that the Foreign Office is mindful, however, that the incident would not have arisen had there been no hostilities between the Japanese and Chinese forces: and that the Foreign Office desires to express its sincere regrets for the loss of life and the injury incurred by members of the American Navy.
2. We informed the official that we appreciate the action of the Foreign Office in instructing the official to call, and that the Department would be duly informed.
3. Repeated to Shanghai for relay to Nanking.