393.1115/3046: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 1—7:30 a.m.]
486. Reference Department’s No. 226, March 23, 8 p.m., regarding Japanese military occupation of American mission property and restrictions upon return of Americans to mission stations. From discussions with Hidaka, the new Japanese Consul General, I learn that he has been conferring with the Japanese military and he says that he has been able to obtain their “agreement in principle” to evacuation of American property and return of Americans to their stations but it is apparent from his statements that there will be difficulty and delay in applying the principle and therefore little progress may be expected in the near future. Constant pressure will be needed both here and in Tokyo.
Repeated to Tokyo.