893.102 Tientsin/204: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Tientsin (Caldwell)
110. Your 228, December 13, 8 p.m. For your guidance in giving further consideration to this matter, the Department offers comment as follows: Inasmuch as (1) Japanese military control of all areas of the city other than the British, French and Italian Concessions is a fact which cannot be ignored; (2) facilitation of the movements of American nationals is a primary consideration to be taken into account; and (3) production of passports or identifying documents is a procedure with which American nationals can with reasonable ease comply, it is suggested that American nationals might find it advisable and convenient, as a matter of expediency, voluntarily to comply with the advice of the Japanese authorities.
A procedure somewhat similar in character to that described in your telegram has been instituted by the Japanese authorities in Shanghai and Hankow and American nationals in those cities are endeavoring to conform thereto.
Please send copies of your telegram under reference and this telegram to Peiping and ask Peiping to send you a copy, for information and guidance, of the Department’s 11, November 8, 6 p.m., to Hankow.38