394.1123 Thomson, J. C./8: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
199. Nanking’s 117, June 15, 5 p.m., and 118, June 16, 6 p.m.,72 repeated to you by Peiping. The Department desires that you bring this matter to the attention of the Japanese Foreign Office in such manner as you deem appropriate with the request that the competent authorities make a thorough investigation with a view to ascertaining the facts and circumstances and, if the facts and circumstances warrant, to taking appropriate steps (1) to punish the guilty soldier, (2) to express regrets for the incident, and (3) to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate and uncalled for incidents.
You may add that, irrespective of the results of an investigation, we feel that the causes and circumstances which give rise to incidents of the character under reference might readily be prevented if the Japanese military authorities at Nanking were to impress upon Japanese [Page 365] soldiery the importance of maintaining toward American nationals an attitude of civility.
Repeated to Nanking for repetition to Peiping and Hankow.
- Latter not printed.↩