793.94112/79: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 19—5:16 a.m.]
389. The following is text of statement of facts issued last night by the Foreign Office with regard to China blockade:
“With a view to bringing about a speedy settlement of the present affair and a stabilization on [of?] the situation, the Japanese Navy [Page 465] previously took a measure to close, to the traffic of Chinese vessels, the Chinese seaports, excepting specified areas. In view of the fact that there are Chinese vessels which attempt to evade the enforcement of the above mentioned measure through the transfer of their nationality registration to third countries, the Japanese Government will not recognize the validity of such transfer made subsequent to the proclamation issued on August 25, 1937 by the Commander in Chief of the Third Fleet for the closing of the Chinese seacoast to Chinese shipping, unless the transfer has been made in accordance with the laws of the countries concerned and moreover it has been carried out fully in substance. In case there is any doubt as to whether vessels of this sort have satisfactory qualifications as regards the transfer of nationality registration, the necessary steps for verification such as inspection and detention may be taken.”
Repeated to Shanghai for relay to Nanking.