793.94/4003: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Forbes) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 6—9:25 a.m.]
47. We are informed by the Foreign Office that a suggested solution of immediate Shanghai difficulties involving procedure in carrying out in part suggestions in my telegram number 34, February 2, 9 p.m., is under way. It has been agreed to here by the Japanese military, naval and Foreign Office authorities, instructions in regard to which are being cabled to their commanding officers in Shanghai.
The program contemplates immediate cessation of hostilities in the Shanghai area, creation of a neutral zone patrolled by neutrals, and probably continued occupancy by Japanese forces only of that portion of the region outside the Settlement predominantly inhabited by Japanese. This is a marked concession over anything the Japanese have hitherto been willing to discuss and opens up an encouraging way of solving the immediate difficulties.
For strategic reasons the Japanese are particularly desirous that this be worked out and the suggestions originate from Shanghai and not be the result of further representations in Tokyo from America and Europe.
Strongly recommend that you cable Cunningham directing him to cooperate in this movement.
[Page 184]Have consulted the British and French Ambassadors here and they concur in this recommendation and are cabling their representatives in Shanghai and also their home Governments advising that all appearance of outside pressure upon Japan be avoided at present.
I have telegraphed Cunningham as follows:
“Developments here indicate that a possible solution of immediate Shanghai difficulties may be now authorized by instructions to Japanese authorities in Shanghai, who will undertake negotiations. Suggest you communicate this information to American Army and Navy commanders. We are telegraphing Washington recommending you be instructed to cooperate in the movement.”
I am informed that 3,000 Japanese land troops will arrive in Shanghai or its immediate vicinity tomorrow to cooperate with and relieve all or a portion of the Japanese marines now ashore and reported to be quite exhausted with their duties there. I am further informed that these are all the Japanese land forces which have left Japan. No further troops will be sent before tomorrow or Monday and perhaps will not be sent at all if the situation quiets down.
Repeated to Nanking.