393.115/509: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 8—8:40 a.m.]
47. Following letter, dated November 7, received today from Japanese Consul General.
“I have the honor to inform you that the Japanese military authorities earnestly desire that you will be good enough to bring the following to the notice of your nationals at Hankow in order to prevent any change of the situation for the worse and to avoid any unexpected trouble. Considering that the situation has not yet been settled, though the Wuhan District has been occupied by the Japanese Army and Navy, the nationals of third powers are requested to pay special attention to the following,
- (1)
- instructions of sentries must be respected and prohibited areas should not be attempted to enter;
- (2)
- a pass is necessary for going out of and coming into the former Concessions and French Concession area. After the curfew hour, the pass is also necessary for the passage through the gates in the above mentioned area;
- (3)
- the regulation of light control must be respected when it is enforced by the Japanese military authorities;
- (4)
- any complaint of Japanese troops and soldiers must be brought not to the soldiers concerned directly, but to the Japanese military police or to the Japanese Consulate General in order to avoid misunderstanding.”
The restriction or [on?] freedom of movement particularly in respect of item number 2 above (see also my telegram 39, November 3, 10 a.m.) makes it imperative for this Office either to object to these restrictions and to refuse to consider them applicable to Americans or [Page 529] else to inform American citizens thereof and probably to assist them to apply for the necessary passes, as I understand that the Japanese have informed certain Americans that applications for passes should be made through this Office. The Department’s instructions are requested regarding which course I should adopt in the premises.
Repeated to Chungking and Peiping.