793.94112/29: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 5—6:02 a.m.]
345. Our 323, August 28, 9 a.m. The Navy Department issued at noon today an announcement of which the following is translation by the Embassy:
“As a measure of defense and in order to bring about as soon as possible a restoration of stable conditions, the Imperial Navy recently blocked navigation by Chinese vessels of waters off a portion of the coast of Central China. The extent of such waters has been enlarged and with the exception of foreign Concessions and of Tsingtao, the Imperial Navy will take measures to block navigation by Chinese vessels in waters off the coast of the remainder of China. These measures are based solely on a desire to hasten reconsideration by the Chinese of their attitude and to restore as quickly as possible conditions of stability. As in the past, there is no intention to interfere with the peaceful commerce of third countries.”
An announcement was issued at the same time by the Foreign Office, the following being translation by the Embassy:
“In order to liquidate the present situation and to restore conditions of peace and order, the Imperial Government recently took measures to block navigation by Chinese vessels of waters off a portion of the coast of Central China. That area is to be extended, and it has been decided that on and after noon of September 5, 1937, navigation by Chinese vessels in waters extending from latitude 40 degrees north and longitude 119 degrees 54 minutes east to latitude 21 degrees 33 minutes north and longitude 108 degrees 3 minutes east, with the exception of the foreign Concessions and of Tsingtao, shall be blocked. These measures are based entirely on a desire to hasten reconsideration by the Chinese of their attitude. The Imperial Government respects the peaceful commerce of third countries and has no intention to interfere with such.”
Repeated to Shanghai for relay to Nanking.