393.115/77: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 26—7:15 a.m.]
417. Our 398, September 21, 5 p.m.69 Following telegram has been sent to the Consulate General at Shanghai: [Page 357]
“September 26, 4 p.m. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs has sent me today a memorandum of which translated text is as follows:
‘With reference to representations with regard to the question of nationals of third countries freely entering the Northern District of Shanghai and removing goods the Japanese authorities have since the beginning of the hostilities in the Shanghai area placed restrictions upon the entry of nationals of third countries into the Northern District only because of military necessity and of concern for the lives of foreigners as well as of Japanese. It is believed, therefore, that when conditions of order have been restored and when safety can be assured, restrictions such as those under reference will be abolished.
Recently when Chinese guns in Pootung were temporarily silent and conditions in the area north of Soochow Creek appeared to be somewhat settled Japanese nationals and nationals of third countries were permitted for 4 days beginning September 16 to remove their personal effects. Although the moderating of the above mentioned restrictions is to be decided only on the basis of conclusions reached by Japanese officials on the spot, according to a report from the Japanese Consul General at Shanghai these Japanese officials are now studying measures whereby nationals of third countries may remove goods stored in warehouses in the Hongkew, Wayside Road and Yangtzepoo area and it is intended that after giving consideration to the policing, communications and sanitary conditions in such area these officials will be directed to decide upon and put into effect the necessary measures.
September 25, 1937.’
Repeated to the Department.”
- Not printed; it reported British representations (393.115/67).↩