793.94/10146: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 20—9:30 a.m.]
731. My No. 711, September 15, 2 p.m. Following is pertinent portion of reply of Japanese Admiral dated September 18th:
“I am in complete agreement with you on the fact that from humanitarian point of view it is most regrettable that large numbers of noncombatants in the above districts have been either killed or wounded by anti-aircraft missiles. The Imperial Navy of Japan has so far ordered its airplanes to refrain from flying over the International Settlement south of Soochow Creek and the French Concession and has been and is doing all within its power for taking every precaution as to the direction of its anti-aircraft fire. Nevertheless, when confused [Page 343] with Chinese airplanes making air raids from time to time, we have occasions [on] which we have no alternative but to protect ourselves with gun fire. On such occasions we are placed in a difficult position to exert sufficient consideration as regards the direction of our high angle gun fire, according to the moving progress of Chinese airplanes. I take it for granted that you would realize such possibility. In conclusion, I have to add that the contents of your letter has been duly transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Japanese Army.”
Sent to the Department; repeated to Nanking and Tokyo.