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

494.11/90: Telegram

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

Washington, December 10, 1938—6 p.m.

420. Reference Department’s 64, February 18, 6 p.m. So far as Department’s records show numerous Embassy notes regarding bombing by Japanese planes of American mission property in China addressed to Foreign Office in pursuance of telegram under reference remain unanswered. See for example following numbered notes sent during month of May: 923, 925,⁵⁸ 926, 927, 935, 944, 946⁵⁹ and 947.⁶⁰

Unless you perceive some objection thereto, it is suggested that, subject to appropriate check of Embassy records, you address a note to the Foreign Office in which, after referring to (1) the above unanswered notes, (2) your note 975 of June 28,⁶¹ which remains unanswered despite Vice Minister’s promise of immediate investigation (see your 560 August 26, 8 p.m. to Department), (3) your unanswered note 942 May 30⁵⁸ regarding Nantungchow bombing, sent in pursuance of Foreign Office’s request, (4) your unanswered note 1105 of October 31⁶² regarding bombing of mission at Tungpeh, resulting in destruction of American property and death and injury of American citizens, you state that your Government desires to be informed whether it may expect a formal expression of regret on the part of the Japanese Government for death and injury of American citizens in Tungpeh bombing and also assurances that appropriate indemnities will be granted, and when it may expect replies to the other above-mentioned notes, and notes subsequently sent, regarding repeated bombings of American mission properties, including schools, churches, and hospitals by Japanese planes.⁶³

Repeated to Chungking and Peiping.

Welles

58. Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 590.
59. Ibid., p. 593.
60. Nos. 923, 926, 927, 935, 944, and 947 not printed.
61. Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 604.
58. Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 590.
62. Ibid., p. 627.
63. For Ambassador Grew’s note of December 22, and the Japanese reply of December 30, see ibid., pp. 630 and 640; see also Japanese note of December 28, ibid., p. 633.