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

158.932/264½: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart), at Peiping

Washington, October 6, 1939—2 p.m.

220. Reference Tsingtao’s 198, September 29, 9 a.m., cholera preventive measures. The Department desires that you bring to the attention of the Japanese Embassy the contents of the communication of the Japanese Consul General reported in the telegram under reference and state that this Government, although sympathetic toward legitimate and reasonable efforts to prevent the spread of disease and although American citizens are voluntarily taking measures intended to achieve such prevention, cannot recognize the existence of any right on the part of the Japanese forcibly to inoculate American citizens nor the legality of the measures of punishment envisaged in the Japanese Consul General’s communication in respect of American citizens. Say that this Government is not able to recognize or give countenance to any attempt on the part of any Japanese agencies to exercise jurisdiction over American nationals in China. Say also that this Government deplores the attitude on the part of the Japanese authorities toward American nationals as indicated in the Japanese communication. State that information available to this Government indicates that the inoculation for cholera as carried out by Japanese authorities or their agents in various parts of China is at times done in so dangerously insanitary a manner as to be cause for concern. Add that, in the event of refusal by an American national to cooperate in the carrying out of reasonable health measures instituted by local authorities, this Government would be prepared to give to such an instance, if and when reported to an American diplomatic or consular representative, due consideration.

If you deem it advisable, please repeat this telegram to Tokyo with instruction from the Department that the Embassy there, in its discretion, make a similar approach to the Foreign Office.⁶⁷

Copies of this telegram should be sent by mail to offices in those parts of China now under Japanese control.

Sent to Peiping. Repeated to Tsingtao.

Hull

67. The Consul at Tsingtao, in telegram No. 205, October 23, 9 a.m., reported a lifting of Japanese requirements for inoculation certificates (158.932/273).