793.94/13848: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Lockhart)
Washington, September 10, 1938—[4 p.m.?]
Following for Embassy, Chungking, as Department’s 247, September 10, 4 p.m., and for repetition to Tokyo, as Department’s 312, September 10, 4 p.m., and Hankow:
“Department’s 245, September 9, 5 p.m., to you, and your 440, September 9, noon, Hankow safety zone.
- 1.
- Today’s papers here carry news report dated Shanghai, September 10, that British and French Ambassadors have protested to Chiang Kai-shek against Chinese ‘obstructive’ attitude in regard to establishment of safety zone at Hankow and specifically against erection of fortifications in vicinity of safety zone. Department would be interested in learning whether this report is accurate.
- 2.
- Your 440 crossed Department’s 245 to you. Department would appreciate your further comment, especially in regard to an approach on general grounds to the Chinese authorities in the sense that the American Government fully expects that the Chinese authorities will so conduct their military activities as to avoid endangering American life and property.
- 3.
- Department realizes that you and the Consul General at Hankow,94 together with the American naval authorities, are continuing to give careful thought to the whole problem of the safety of Americans at Hankow in the light of present developments. In this connection Department would welcome your comment upon the last sentence of Department’s 245.”
Hull
- Paul R. Josselyn.↩