793.94/9096: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 30—2:04 p.m.]
407. My July 29, 4 p.m.25 Admiral Hasegawa, commander-in-chief of the Japanese Third Fleet, last night issued a statement here in which he referred to “the growing rampancy of anti-Japanese activities in south and central China” and the “acceleration of the unnecessary preparations for war”. Such “provocative actions” the communiqué declared, “not only form a stumbling block in the way of peaceful relations between the nations, but may also lead to a most unhappy situation”. The statement concluded that the Third Fleet would make every effort to prevent the outbreak of new incidents, but “watching with grave concern” the attitude of the Chinese.
- 2.
- From a reliable Japanese press representative it is learned that this statement is intended as a warning to the local Chinese authorities and was issued because, first, the Shanghai-Woosung garrison is reported to have said on several occasions that the Japanese marines would be bombed out of their barracks if they caused any trouble in Shanghai; second, because the Japanese believe the strength of the Peace Preservation Corps in this area has been greatly increased, that it has been conducting night maneuverings and that it is hostile and belligerent. He added that Japanese naval authorities are concerned about these indications of Chinese hostilities.
- 3.
- Shanghai quiet. Repeated to Peiping and the Department. By mail to Nanking.
- Not printed.↩