Office of the Historian

394.1123 Massie, T. H. Mrs./18: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the First Secretary of Embassy in China (Salisbury), at Peiping

Washington, July 12, 1938—6 p.m.

Following for Tokyo as No. 238, July 12, 6 p.m.:

“Tsingtao’s July 9, 9 a.m., Massie incident. The Department feels that no useful purpose would be served by further representations in regard to this case. You may in your discretion avail yourself of a convenient opportunity to mention to the Japanese Foreign Office the conversation between the Japanese Chief of Staff and our Chief of Staff and express satisfaction with regard to the statement of the Japanese Chief of Staff to the effect that the Japanese Navy is anxious to prevent incidents of this character and has issued strict instructions in that connection.”

Please repeat to Hankow and Tsingtao.

Hull