893.102S/1871: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 4—3 a.m.]
795. Information obtained by the United States Marines is to the effect that the Japanese military and naval authorities here propose to take action, as “neutrals”—but apparently as the forces in occupation of this part of China—to notify the British and French forces here to withdraw whereupon the Japanese would expect to take control of the administration of the French Concession and International Settlement. The First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy during a call on me this morning inquired whether I could confirm a report that the United States Marines are to take over the British defense sector at Shanghai. I replied that I had no information on the subject. He avoided any disclosure of the Japanese attitude.
Sent to the Department only.