893.111/405: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 22—11 a.m.]
506. Department’s 185, August 31, 7 p.m. and Peiping’s 463, September 2, 4 p.m.,62 final paragraph, in regard to Japanese travel requirements in Tsingtao. Mr. Matsuo of the Japanese Embassy called yesterday afternoon in response to a memorandum on the above subject left with his office by a member of the staff of this Embassy. He stated that the matter had been referred to the appropriate authorities and that a reply had been received substantially as follows:
The authorities have noted a recent increase in the number of undesirable elements among the foreign population in Tsingtao and an increase in smuggling, subversive activities and other illegal acts committed by them. The authorities were therefore obliged to take more strict measures to insure the maintenance of peace and order. New regulations were drawn up and were communicated to the Consulates concerned in a circular letter dated August 7, 1939. The Japanese authorities appreciate the voluntary cooperation of American citizens with the local authorities and they have no desire to place illegal restrictions on their freedom of movement. However, in view of present conditions in Tsingtao and vicinity they have no recourse but they request that American citizens continue to cooperate with the local authorities in this regard.
Repeated to Tsingtao, by airmail to Tokyo.
- Latter not printed.↩