793.94/4317: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 19—2:11 p.m.]
83. The following are believed to be the texts of the replies of Mayor Wu to the Japanese Consul General and of General Tsai to General Uyeda. The first from Wu to Japanese Consul General has been confirmed by the Japanese Consulate. Mayor to Japanese Consul General:
“I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of February 18 the contents of which I have noted. In reply I have to state that the grave situation in Shanghai is due to the presence of your troops in violation of all international law but your Government will bear full responsibility I have repeatedly emphasized in previous letters. I do not deem it appropriate to transmit the terms contained in your letter to our Ministry or do as requested. Inasmuch as the measures called for in your letter have a direct bearing on the general relations between China and Japan they should be dealt with by the diplomatic authorities of the two countries concerned. I have accordingly submitted your letter to my Government for consideration and for reply to His Imperial Majesty’s letter [Minister] through our Minister [the Ministry] of Foreign Affairs. I have to point out, however, that as acts of provocation by attack, bombing and bombardment, continue intensified, the indignation of our people remain united. Under the circumstances it is natural that anti-Japanese measures cannot fail to continue. The responsibility rests with you.”
General Tsai to General Uyeda:
“I have noted the contents of your letter of 9 p.m., February 18: In reply I have to state that the troops under my command are an integral part of the Army of the Republic of China by whose orders alone all activities are directed. I have, therefore, submitted your letters to my Government for consideration. Our Minister for Foreign Affairs will in due course communicate with His Imperial Japanese Majesty’s Government [Minister] in the premises.”
Repeated to Legation.