394.1123 Thomson, J. C./1: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in China (Allison) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 15—4:55 p.m.]
117. While riding in a rickshaw through a public street in Nanking just before noon today, Dr. J. C. Thomson, an American citizen, and member of the faculty of the University of Nanking, was stopped by a Japanese sentry, questioned, searched and slapped across the face, though he had made no attempt to resist the sentry in any way. Dr. Thomson immediately reported the matter to the American Embassy after which I accompanied him to the Japanese Consulate General where I lodged a strong protest. In company with Vice Consul Kasuya and a consular policeman we then returned to the spot where the incident had occurred but the offending sentry had been relieved by another soldier. However, the Japanese officials made notes of the location and promised to make an immediate investigation. I informed Mr. Kasuya that I would expect a report of the results of the investigation this afternoon and that I would hold up my report of the matter until this evening so that the Japanese report might be incorporated therein.
Kasuya reported this afternoon that Japanese gendarmes had questioned the sentry, who admitted having searched Dr. Thomson, but denied categorically that he had slapped him. I informed Mr. Kasuya that this explanation was entirely unsatisfactory as when Dr. Thomson had come to the Embassy this morning he was still in a nervous condition as a result of his experience and his face bore a faint flush where he had been slapped. A further investigation was requested.
I have made the following requests of the Japanese Consul General: (1) An apology should be made to Dr. Thomson by a military representative, (2) the guilty soldier should be punished and the American Embassy informed of the punishment, and (3) assurances should be [Page 358] given that the military authorities have taken adequate steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The Japanese Consul General has been informed that if the above requests are promptly and satisfactorily carried out I shall recommend that the incident be considered closed and that no publicity be given to it, but I have made it clear that the final decision in this regard rests with the Department of State. It is therefore requested that information concerning this incident not be made public until tomorrow night at least when it is hoped to have a more favorable report from the Japanese authorities.
Sent to the Ambassador. Repeated to the Department, Peiping and Shanghai. Shanghai please mail to Tokyo.