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

394.112/69: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Japan (Dooman)

Washington, August 16, 1939—7 p.m.

257. Reference Tientsin’s 186, August 15, noon.⁴⁴ If you have not already done so and if you do not perceive objection, the Department desires that you approach the Foreign Office at an early opportunity and make representations in regard to the slapping of Mrs. Richardson⁴⁵ by a Japanese sentry. Your representations should appropriately follow the lines indicated in the Department’s 224, July 28, 5 p.m., with emphasis being placed on the fact that the incident under reference has received widespread and unfavorable publicity in this country.

As the headquarters of the Japanese Army in north China is at Peiping, Lockhart is requested to make similar representations to the Japanese Embassy there.

Sent to Tokyo via Peiping. Repeated to Chungking.

Welles

44. Not printed.
45. Mrs. Frances M. Richard, American.