124.932/572: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in China (Allison) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 7—2:40 p.m.]
51. My 50, February 7, 1 p.m.,55 and the Department’s 51, February 4, 4 p.m. Mr. Fukui called upon me this evening and stated he had just received instructions from his Government to make a counterproposal regarding the expression of regrets for violation of Embassy’s property to that outlined in the Department’s 29, January 21, 2 p.m. The Japanese Government now suggests that the expression of regrets be made to the appropriate American Consul General in Shanghai by Major General Harada, Military Attaché to the Japanese Embassy in Shanghai and Chief of the Special Service Department of the Expeditionary Force. Mr. Fukui pointed out that the Special Service Department handles all external matters affecting the army and that the other officers of the army are engaged in active military operations and therefore not available for making such apologies. I told Mr. Fukui I was not certain this would be satisfactory but that I would request immediate instructions. Mr. Fukui went on to say that if I would then give him a memorandum concerning damage to Embassy’s property and that of Embassy’s personnel he would give me a personal letter stating that full compensation would be made. He added that he believed arrangements could be made to make prompt payment through the American Consul General, Shanghai, because of the lack of banking facilities in Nanking. I asked whether he meant to imply payment Embassy compensation was contingent upon my Government accepting the proposal that General Harada should make the apology and he replied he did not believe so but that he would telegraph at once to make certain.
A Russian motor mechanic has examined the three automobiles taken by the Japanese and later returned and has stated that the damage which could be traced to the Japanese is negligible. As the Japanese Embassy had presented this office with 160 gallons of gasoline it is not believed necessary to request further compensation for the use of these machines.
With regard to compensation for damages to private American property Mr. Fukui said he would call upon me tomorrow.
Sent to Embassy, Hankow, repeated to Peiping and Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Tokyo.
- Not printed.↩