Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1939, The Far East; The Near East and Africa, Volume IV

393.115/594: Telegram

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

Washington, March 27, 1939—5 p.m.

74. Reference Tientsin’s 44, March 25, 11 a.m.⁵² Peiping’s 148, March 24, 4 p.m., transmitting your 143, March 23, 9 p.m., and previous telegrams in regard to the search of foreigners at Tientsin.

Although this Government does not admit the right of Japanese authorities acting directly or indirectly to search American nationals residing in China, the Department is of the opinion that the situation at Tientsin does not, in view of the information contained in Tientsin’s telegram no. 44, warrant the making of representations at Tokyo. However, the Department desires that the Consulate General at Tientsin watch the situation carefully and report developments promptly in order that appropriate action may be taken should the circumstances warrant.

The Department has replied to an aide-mémoire of March 23, 1939, from the British Embassy⁵³ in regard to the matter under reference along the lines of the foregoing paragraph.

Repeated to Chungking and Tientsin.

Hull

52. Vol. iii, p. 387.
53. Aide-mémoire and reply not printed.