793.94/14048: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, October 12, 1938—3
p.m.
[Received October 12—8:20 a.m.]
[Received October 12—8:20 a.m.]
660. Our 657, October 12, 10 a.m.33
- 1.
- My British colleague understands that all preparations for landing Japanese forces on the coast of Kwangtung Province for a drive on Canton have been made for some time past and that the Japanese were only awaiting certain circumstances to put the plan into execution. He believes that the circumstances which have brought matters to a head are: (a) information that Chiang Kai Shek when he leaves Hankow may proceed to the south instead of to the west, and (b) a desire to distract public attention in Japan from the delays and occasional defeats incidental to the drive on Hankow, or both.
- 2.
- Craigie yesterday told the Vice Minister that a drive on Canton could have a seriously adverse effect on Anglo-Japanese relations from [Page 316] the following points of view: (a) the danger to Japanese residents in Hong Kong from an enflamed Chinese populace; (b) the serious problem of Chinese refugees flocking into the colony; (c) the attendant problem of food supplies; and (d) the risk of incidents involving British shipping. The Vice Minister merely replied that such of these points as concerned the Japanese authorities on the spot would be referred to them for consideration.
Repeated to Hong Kong for Chungking.
Grew