740.00119 PW/9–2645: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Josselyn) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 27—11:30 a.m.]
18. [To Embassy:] Your September 17, 1 p.m. transmitting Department’s 145633 received September 25th.
Japanese military have been disarmed and military and civilians removed to Hongkew district. Therefore, looting, et cetera, by armed Japanese no longer problem. Shanghai city government establishing office for return of real property which is not yet functioning. Meanwhile, although some Americans have secured return their properties, many properties remain nominally in Japanese hands and are unprotected. For example, factory of Henningson Produce Company in outlying district had been for 2 days besieged by former Chinese employees making exorbitant demands although they received 4 months’ bonus when dismissed August 30th. Have asked garrison commander and mayor for protection but thus far without avail; labor difficulties (including Japanese failure to pay workers as promised) hamper reoccupation of light bulb factory owned by China General Edison Company. Ault and Wiborg, another American concern, have no authorized representative Shanghai. Their office and factory stated to have been practically denuded of all stock and equipment. Greatest need at present for these properties and many others is that Chinese authorities be made to realize their responsibilities regarding protection.
Hopkins34 still negotiating with public utilities commissioner regarding details return Shanghai Power Company but Hopkins hopeful satisfactory conclusion. Detailed report of situation follows. Sent to Chungking; repeated to Department.