893.00/8313: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 25—10:10 a.m.]
On request of Municipal Council to senior consul this morning for military assistance of neutral countries in defending Shanghai Settlement on account of presence large Chinese forces this area, the British have taken up a defense line along the railway outside western boundary of Settlement. Japanese do not consider landing yet necessary and that to establish defense line now would give unnecessary offense to Shantung Tupan whose troops commenced to arrive last night. British may extend their line around sector outside Settlement to north which would otherwise be occupied by the Japanese; this for the purpose protecting British life and property. American landing force would not occupy defense lines but would suppress disorders inside Settlement. Inasmuch as no state of emergency has been declared and volunteers have [not] been called out, the general strike being over, and no disorders exist or are anticipated inside Settlement, I have not requested landing of American forces.