811.015394/33: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in China (Allison) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 15—5:15 a.m.]
57. Shanghai’s 257, February 14, 8 p.m. Instances of desecration of American flags given to Fukui were taken from copies of letters which had been sent to the Japanese Embassy by American citizens before the return of American officials. The first letter was sent on December 16, 1937, additional were sent at various times during the last weeks of December. As far as is known, the Japanese Embassy never acknowledged the receipt of any of these letters, nor was any effort made to investigate these matters at the time they were reported which could have been done with ease. When I handed the list to Fukui I asked him if it was all right or if he desired more information and he said it was sufficient. In view of the fact that the Japanese authorities have had written notice of these desecrations to the American flag for almost 2 months, I do not see how further delay for investigation can be allowed.
Sent to Embassy, Hankow. Repeated to Shanghai.