793.94119/474: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:10 p.m.]
1500. Domei News Agency quotes a statement reportedly issued by the Japanese expeditionary forces in Central China which the agency characterizes as a commentary on Premier Konoye’s recent statement of policy.
The Japanese military command is quoted as being prepared “to receive and shake hands with anyone whether or not affiliated with the Kuomintang or its armies who is desirous of taking part in the huge task of reconstructing a new China”. The statement also expresses the gratification of the Japanese military authorities for the work of the “Reformed Government” and asserts the Japanese forces are now engaged in dealing a “finishing blow” to Chinese troop reorganization. Of particular interest is that portion of the statement which reads “the Government statement elucidating the fundamental policies which will guide the readjustment of Japanese relations with a new China is a most appropriate measure in view of the current situation. This, however, cannot be regarded as indicating any new developments occurring or any prospects of their taking place within the occupied areas of Central China.”
These views if correctly quoted would appear to indicate that in so far as the Japanese military command in Central China is concerned no new development may be expected and that Japanese policy in the Central China area actually will continue to move in the grooves already established by the Japanese military authorities regardless of policy pronouncements given out in Tokyo.
Repeated Peiping, Chungking and Tokyo.