793.94112/375
The Consul General at Canton (Myers) to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)92
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch no. 56 of March 1, 1940,91 in regard to the Temporary Regulations of the Pearl River [Page 522] Pilotage Service and to enclose a copy of the Japanese Consul General’s reply of April 23, 1940,94 to my representations of February 17, 1940,95 in which he states that the pilotage ground being within the occupied zone of the Japanese forces “where a state of war still exists”, it is proper that the responsible authorities “shall deal with and punish any acts harmful to the maintenance of peace and order or to military requirements committed by any national”.
There is enclosed a copy of my reply of this date to the Japanese Consul General94 in which a reservation of all American rights involved was made.
The Embassy’s attention is invited to the language used by the Japanese Consul General in his reply to this office which, it is thought, might be interpreted as an assertion of belligerent rights and which would seem to be inconsistent with assurances given by the Japanese Government of respect for the interests and rights of third power nationals.
It may be mentioned that my British Colleague received a letter from the Japanese Consul General in regard to this matter which contained similar statements.
Respectfully yours,