123R542/186: Telegram
The Consul at Chefoo (Roberts) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 2—11:50 a.m.]
Referring to my telegram dated September 2, 3 p.m., the Japanese Consul has just called to offer apology on behalf of Japanese naval authorities and the Japanese Consul for searching incident and to give me assurances that measures have been taken to prevent recurrence. The Japanese naval commander refuses to punish armed sentry as he was merely carrying out orders to search all persons leaving bank. I recommend apology and assurances be accepted and the incident be considered closed.
Sent to Peiping. Repeated to Chungking.