793.94/13878: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 13—6:50 p.m.]
Mayor of Hankow informed me orally this morning that due to military necessity Chinese intend to erect defenses on the various foreign properties above Seven Mile creek [which] include the installations of the Standard Oil Company and the Texas Company unless a guarantee were given that Japanese will not utilize such properties to land troops. I replied I was sure that we could give no such assurances but that such defenses would constitute grave danger to the American property and I would have to object. Colonel Stilwell who visited area this afternoon states that installations are in a place which should be defended from a military point of view. I told Mayor that the [Page 289] matter was being referred to Embassy and he stated that work would not start for 2 or 3 days. Please instruct.
Sent to Chungking.