898.0146/828: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (Butrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:25 a.m.]
813. With reference to the Department’s 373, August 19, 6 p.m.,46 my French colleague informed me today that neither he nor the French have received any intimation from their Government that French troops are to be withdrawn from the French Concession.
During a call of the Italian commander of navy forces August 20 on Admiral Hart he gave no indication that the Italians intended to withdraw their troops but intimated that they might be willing to move from their present position in Sector D to that part of Sector B north of Soochow Creek with the marines taking the southern part of Sector B. He further intimated that such a solution would have to be tied up with some other concession to the Japanese for “face-saving” purposes. He was not questioned as to what that concession might be.
I have endeavored and shall endeavor to keep the Department fully informed. I have not duplicated messages sent by the Navy to the Navy Department which I understand has been in closest contact with the Department regarding this matter.
- Not printed.↩