Office of the Historian

393.115 Standard Vacuum Oil Co./65: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)

Washington, October 27, 1938—6 p.m.

367. Hankow’s 17, October 26, 11 a.m. attack on Standard Oil vessel. Department desires that you make vigorous representations, in such manner as you consider would be most effective, to the Japanese Foreign Office. Point out that, notwithstanding the fact that the vessel was plainly identifiable as American, an attack was made thereon, state that this Government must request that instructions be issued by the competent Japanese authorities which will prevent future attacks of this kind; and make an appropriate reservation with regard to American rights and claim for damages.27

The text of the Japanese naval memorandum referred to in Hankow’s telegram may be found in Shanghai’s 1344, October 17, 6 p.m.26a

Repeated to Chungking, Peiping and Hankow.

Hull
  1. In telegram No. 697, October 31, 7 p.m., the Ambassador in Japan reported vigorous representations, supported by a formal note addressed to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs (393.115 Standard Vacuum Oil Company/67).↩
  2. Ante, p. 185.↩