393.115/175: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)
68. Nanking’s 52, February 8, noon. The Department suggests, unless objection is perceived thereto, that Allison, upon receipt from the Japanese authorities of the proposed written statement regarding compensation for damages to private American property mentioned in the antipenultimate paragraph of Nanking’s 25, January 18, 10 a.m., present to them only such claims as are included within the categories which the Japanese authorities have indicated that they are prepared to settle locally. Allison should make no effort to press the Japanese authorities to settle claims other than those which they voluntarily offered to settle, as the Department will expect to take up in due course the question of the presentation of the remaining claims to the Japanese Government for diplomatic settlement.
With regard to claims which are to be taken up locally, it is suggested that Allison advise claimants to obtain from Americans who have inspected American property in the city affidavits setting forth full information regarding the particular properties inspected and their condition at the time of inspection and that such affidavits be submitted to the Japanese in support of claims predicated upon damages subsequently sustained by such inspected properties. Allison should obtain from Americans whose claims have been locally settled copies for the files of the Embassy and the Department of receipts which they furnish to the Japanese authorities as evidence of settlement.
With regard to the preparation of claims for diplomatic settlement, the Department expects shortly to issue detailed instructions.