Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1938, The Far East, Volume IV

393.1164 University of Shanghai/78: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, November 10, 1938—9 p.m.
[Received November 10—7:24 p.m.]

1408. Reference my No. 1385, September [November] 2, noon [11 a.m.],³⁹ regarding University of Shanghai.

1. Ten American members of the Administrative Commission and faculty of the university accompanied by an American Consul and Japanese consular, military and naval officers visited the university on the afternoon of November 7th. The buildings were found to have been damaged by shells, bombs and concussion but the extent of the damage was not as great as had been expected. Shell holes and shattered windows have exposed the buildings to further damage from rain and storms. About one-half to two-thirds of the library was found intact but for the most part all other buildings including dormitories, classrooms, laboratories appear to have been looted of equipment, furniture and everything of value.

2. The mission representatives now ask permission to remove all books, furniture and other equipment in the buildings. I am taking this up with the Japanese Consul General.

3. The Japanese authorities continue to maintain that it is not possible to permit the mission to reoccupy the property as it is in prohibited military area from which all persons including unauthorized Japanese are excluded.

By mail to Tokyo, Peiping, Chungking.

Gauss

39. Not printed.