793.94/15262: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:58 p.m.]
373. Peiping’s No. 311, June 27, 193925 concerning endangering of lives of American citizens at Hanchung, Shensi. Representative of the Japanese Embassy has called at this Embassy and expressed deep regret “for the occurrence of this unfortunate and unexpected incident”. He stated in every particular that in cases where Chinese [Page 358] troops are active in the vicinity of foreign missions Japanese forces might, through military necessity, bomb such forces. He suggested that steps be taken by foreign missions to require Chinese troops to leave the vicinity of their missions, failing which, he further suggested, missions of third power countries resident in such missions would do well to evacuate. He expressed the hope that the point of view of the Japanese military authorities would be understood. Despatch follows.26
Repeated to Chungking, Shanghai and Hankow; by airmail to Tokyo.