793.94/11809: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
380. Your 682, December 26, 10 a.m. In regard to paragraph (a), the Department believes it inadvisable to take steps that would encourage Americans to remain in Kuling, particularly in view of its distance from the Yangtze, its known use as a resort by Chinese Government officials and its proximity to Nanchang.
In regard to paragraph (b), please consult your British colleague and when he has taken or is prepared to take substantially similar action, you are authorized to inform the Japanese Government that while we claim absolute freedom for our ships to move and trade on the River, we look to the Japanese authorities to give prior warning in the event of any area on the Yangtze becoming, through steps taken by them, a danger area.58
Repeated to Shanghai for relay to Hankow.
- The Ambassador in Japan in his telegram No. 690, December 28, 4 p.m., reported that he and the British Ambassador were taking similar action, as instructed (793.94/11848).↩