394.1123 Thomson, J. C./4: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in China (Allison) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:51 p.m.]
120. My 117, June 15, 5 p.m., and 118, June 16, 6 p.m.71 I have just received from the Japanese Consul General a note with an enclosure giving a report in Japanese of the findings of the Japanese military authorities regarding the Thomson incident. The Consul General’s note reads in part as follows:
“The Japanese military authorities, with deep concern about the matter, have made thorough investigations about the soldiers concerned. The result of the investigations, however, has revealed definite information as the attached report clearly shows, that the sentry never slapped Dr. Thomson across his face. The military authorities even have an eye witness who testified that the sentry never made such an attack upon Dr. Thomson and they are prepared to confront him with Dr. Thomson at any time.
This being the case, there is not only no opportunities of considering the three points raised in your note, but it must be requested that you will give deep considerations to insults given to the Japanese sentry, discharging his solemn duties, by an exaggerated and groundless report. In this connection, I expect that you will admonish Dr. Thomson adequately.
[Page 364]I wish to inform you lastly that the Japanese military authorities reserve their liberty of taking adequate measures in the event of such cases as this, which subjects Japanese soldiers to insults, continuing to happen in future.”
The report of the military authorities enclosed with the note from the Japanese Consul General attributes the searching of Dr. Thomson to the sentry’s having mistaken him for a Chinese. It categorically denies any act of violence to Dr. Thomson’s person.
I have orally informed a representative of the Japanese Consulate General that the matter will be referred to the Ambassador and the Department and that I do not feel inclined to take any further action until instructions are received. Dr. Thomson has expressed a willingness to make a sworn statement regarding the incident and I request authority to accept his affidavit under item 44 of the tariff of fees.
It seems to me that the final paragraph of the Japanese Consul General’s note almost constitutes a threat against any American who reports misconduct on the part of Japanese soldiers. In my opinion there is not the slightest doubt of the veracity of Dr. Thomson’s statement but I should appreciate any suggestions the Ambassador or the Department may wish to make as to all further action.
Sent to the Ambassador [at] Hankow, repeated to Peiping and Shanghai.
- Latter not printed.↩