893.102S/1897: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:30 p.m.]
860. Reference my No. 852, September 23, 4 p.m. Commanding Officer Fourth tells me this afternoon that the principal foreign commandants [Page 86] will decline to agree to the proposal to abolish the western defense sector. I am of the opinion that the unsatisfactory conditions in that area require the continued presence of the forces now there for the protection of the large American and European resident population. The necessity for the protection of the area has long been definitely recognized by all foreign forces, including the Japanese, in the plans for the defense of the “Settlement and vicinity”. There is no sound basis for now withdrawing the defense sectors within the boundaries of the Settlement. The proposal to that end fails to give due consideration to the extensive American and European interests involved. Until conditions in and around Shanghai are normal and the police situation in the western area is satisfactorily settled and conditions there are corrected by the suppression of the “bad lands” and the expulsion of the gunmen and other vicious elements now infecting the district, proposals for a revision of the defense sectors cannot reasonably be expected to receive favorable consideration.
- 2.
- With reference to the police situation in the western area the foreign commandants are expected to suggest that a special police force composed of selected men be organized, to function under a mixed commission. In my opinion the Chinese demand that the Council abandon all police rights in the area is unacceptable as it would leave the foreign residents of the Settlement dependent upon a police force that has permitted unwise or certainly has not suppressed, the notorious lawless situation in the area. It seems to me, however, that any agreement must be between the Municipal Council and the Chinese Municipal Regime. The commandants may however recommend the Japanese commandant to urge some such solution on the Japanese sponsored Municipal Regime.
- 3.
- If any proposal is made that the Japanese forces or Japanese officered police take over the area it will probably be rejected by the commandants. In my opinion, during the continuance of Sino-Japanese hostilities the presence of Japanese forces in the sector would expose it as the object of possible disturbances by Chinese guerrillas, bandits or lawless elements.
- 4.
- If all efforts for a solution fail, then in my opinion we should record a reservation of our right to use our forces to protect our nationals in event of any disturbances in the western area which we consider imperil their safety.
- 5.
- I feel that if we once start to retreat in the face of the tactics that the Japanese are now attempting here, we are lost; but if we insist upon a proper respect for and recognition of our rights and [Page 87] interests, stating our position openly, frankly and firmly, but in a wholly friendly manner, we may survive the present difficulties.
- 6.
- I propose at the proper time, if the Department does not instruct me otherwise, to take a position with my Japanese colleague along the lines of this. It is possible that representations might also helpfully be made at Tokyo.
- 7.
- Substance of the foregoing is being communicated to senior naval officer present for transmission to Admiral Hart.
Repeated to Tokyo, Chungking and Peiping.