893.00/6–848: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (Pilcher) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 8—3:24 p. m.]
1286. Re Consulate General’s 1018, June 5, repeated Department 1266. Situation appears to have returned to normal although there are reports that “rescue committees” being formed in certain schools to obtain release of number of students arrested during Saturday’s demonstration on Bund. Minister Education Chu Chia-hua arrived Shanghai on 6th to confer with authorities on student problem.
[Page 280]Mayor insisting Chiaotung University president furnish replies to seven questions aimed at discovering identity of students at Shanghai University responsible for current trouble. Disciplinary action will be based on information revealed in answers. Mayor quoted saying at press conference on 5th that “solution of problems should be easy in foreign country where court of enquiry would be held, forcing ringleaders to answer questions. If they refuse to answer, they would be charged with contempt; and if they give incorrect answers, they would be charged with perjury.” Mayor also stated student agitators not against American aid to Japan but really against American aid to China.
Garrison Commander General Hsuan Tieh-wu reported to have said at conference he expected more trouble as influence of student agitators had grown considerably in various educational institutions.
Sent Nanking 1033, repeated Department 1286.