793.94/9657: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 24—12:58 p.m.]
548. I have just discussed with the Commander-in-Chief the bombing in area of foreign refuge reported in my numbers 541 and 544 of August 23, 7 p.m. and August 23, 10 p.m.72 We are agreed that the weight of the available information suggests the likelihood of Chinese responsibility. Observers report that a large twin motor silver colored monoplane, believed by some to be a China National Aviation Company plane converted for bombing usage, escorted by one other plane, appeared out of clouds at a great height, and dropped bombs, at the time of the incident. An observer reports the plane had distinctive Chinese markings. There was no anti-aircraft fire from either side. It is true, however, that there were three Japanese planes in the air at the time at lower altitude.
We are exercising the utmost restraint and are making public no statements or information. We feel, however, that the responsible Chinese authorities of the Nanking Government should be informed quietly that there is substantial information, although no conclusive evidence, suggesting responsibility on the Chinese side. I do not say that there was a deliberate attack on the foreign area although there are those who believe honestly that the Chinese desire deliberately to involve the foreign powers in their troubles. The bombing operations, however, have brought death to hundreds of Chinese noncombatants and injuries to many more, death and casualties amongst foreign residents, and repeated danger to the area of refuge.
May I urge restrained but frank representations at Nanking stating that world opinion will condemn China if information suggesting Chinese responsibility continues to accumulate.73
Repeated to Nanking.