751G.94/153: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 24—2:24 p.m.]
483. The official Central News Agency carries the following local item under a September 23 date line in regard to developments in Indochina:
“Following the signing of the Franco-Japanese agreement at Hanoi yesterday afternoon, the Foreign Ministry has lodged a most vigorous protest with the French authorities. The protest, after reasserting China’s right to take such measures of self defense as may be deemed necessary, declares that the French Government will be held responsible for all losses and consequences which may arise therefrom.”
Sent to the Department. Repeated to Peiping and Shanghai. Shanghai please air mail to Tokyo. Air mail to Hanoi and Kunming.