793.94/13878: Telegram

The Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State

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.

Josselyn