493.11/2268
The Counselor of Embassy in Japan (Dooman) to the Chief of the American Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Office (Yoshizawa)41
My Dear Mr. Yoshizawa: Our records indicate that on February 3, 1938, I called on you and asked your good offices toward persuading the military authorities in Peiping to evacuate Tsinghau University, [Page 396] in which there is an American interest arising out of the fact that the University was founded in consequence of the remission by the United States Government of the major portion of the Boxer indemnity and the funds necessary for its maintenance have been obtained by reason of this action on the part of the United States. You may recall that you undertook to discuss the matter with the War Office. The conditions at the University subsequent to our conversation are such as to raise grave doubts with regard to the intention of the Japanese military authorities toward preserving Tsinghua University as an institution of learning. Although proposals have been received by the University for the sale of equipment and furnishings, the University authorities were not in any position to respond affirmatively; and there has subsequently developed an apparent systematic effort to disperse the books, scientific instruments, and other equipment and furnishings. We understand that Mr. Robert Winter of the University has already supplied Mr. Yaguchi, of the Japanese Embassy at Peiping, with considerable information on this subject. Mr. Winter notes that on four different occasions detachments of Japanese troops searched the University and carried away large quantities of books and instruments. He notes also that the interior of the chemistry building has been destroyed; that all available scrap iron has been shipped away; that machinery in the Engineering Building has been shipped away; and that books and scientific instruments which were taken away from the University are periodically appearing in various second-hand shops in Peiping.
I think you will agree with me that the state of affairs which has thus far prevailed should be remedied without further delay.
Sincerely yours,
- Copy transmitted to the Department by the Ambassador in Japan in his despatch No. 3865, May 5; received May 29.↩