893.7961/35: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 29—8:30 a.m.]
563. 1. My British colleague has been instructed to inquire whether the Japanese Government authorized a statement given to the press on August 26 by the Japanese official spokesman at Shanghai to the effect that noncombatant aircraft fly over the area of hostilities at their own risk and that the Japanese would accept no responsibility for any damage that might arise. Craigie’s instructions are that, if the spokesman made the statement with the authority of the Japanese Government, Craigie should make it clear that the British Government does not recognize the right of the Japanese Government to interfere [with?], much less attack, foreign aircraft operating in China with the consent of the Chinese Government.
2. Craigie suggests that I may wish to take parallel action. Apart from the American interest in the China National Aviation Corporation, the operation of Pan-American Airways service from Manila to South China would seem to make desirable an approach by me to the Foreign Office similar to that which Craigie has been directed to make. Please instruct.
Repeated to Hong Kong for Johnson.