793.94/11498: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 7—8:50 a.m.]
19. Japanese planes bombed the waterfront at Wuhu and although the ships and other property damaged were not owned by American citizens the manner in which the raid was conducted made it a menace to the safety of American citizens and property and I suggest that the Embassy at Tokyo may think it advisable to enter a protest to the Japanese authorities. Features affecting American interests were that bombs were dropped on the British passenger steamer Tuckwo setting it on fire and causing it to drift against the hulk belonging to the same company which likewise caught fire. Both craft were completely gutted. Bombs were dropped also on the British freighter steamer Tatung and badly damaged both the steamer and the hulk to which it was moored. All ships were plainly marked with British flags. These ships were common carriers and were habitually used by American citizens for the transportation of themselves, their families and their property. So far as known at present no American citizens were injured. Whether there was American property loss has not been definitely ascertained. You will recall that in your [Tokyo’s] telegram of December 3, 5 p.m. you reported that the Japanese Foreign Office itself suggested that the Yangtze route be used for evacuation. The attack on commercial facilities used by American citizens just described is on this account open to still more serious objection.
Sent to Tokyo through Peiping. Repeated to Shanghai, Peiping please transmit to Tokyo.