793.94/4268: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham)
34. Your 64, February 17, 5 p.m., paragraph 11, in regard to continuance of Japanese interference with municipal functions.
1. Has Municipal Council reported this matter to the Consular Body? If so, it would seem appropriate for the Consular Body to discuss the matter with a view to bringing the situation to the attention of the appropriate Japanese authorities at Shanghai or with a view to making recommendations to the interested Ministers.
Please confer with the Minister.
Following for guidance:
In regard to all matters which are of common concern to the several powers interested in the administration of the International Settlement, the Department feels in general (1) that, as questions arise, they should be brought to the attention of the Consular Body, discussed by that Body and an attempt made to effect a local settlement; (2) that in attempting such local settlement the various Ministers concerned, particularly those in Shanghai, might be consulted; and (3) that in the event efforts toward a local settlement fail, a report of the facts should then be made to the various governments concerned together with (a) your views, (b) the views of the Minister, and (c) the views of the Consular Body.
In present circumstances, in case Japanese Consul General by failure to cooperate prevents unanimous action by Consular Body, Department feels that action should be taken collectively by Consuls of other interested Powers.
2. Referring to last sentence of paragraph 11 of your telegram under reference, if you think, after conference with Minister, that Department is in position to render assistance, please indicate what type of possible assistance you have in mind.64