893.01 Manchuria/1149: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:50 a.m.]
335. British troops in summer camp at Shanhaikwan are accustomed annually to hold maneuvers north of the Great Wall in an area which was always regarded as part of Hopei Province. While holding maneuvers there last month the British Military Attaché received a written communication from Colonel Giga, Chief of the special mission of the Kwantung Army at Shanhaikwan; concurrently head of the “Manchukuo” Foreign Affairs office at Shanhaikwan, asking that thereafter they should obtain the permission of the Kwantung Army before holding maneuvers north of the Great Wall (which the Japanese regard as the southern boundary of “Manchukuo”). Basing their position on the protocol of 190166 and related agreements and the fact that the area concerned has been regarded as part of Hopei Province and not part of Manchuria, the British military authorities are reported to have no intention [of] accepting Japanese position but to have replied to effect that they would be glad to supply the Kwantung Army with a schedule of intended maneuvers as a matter of courtesy. The matter rests here for the time being. British apparently anticipate that Japanese will not press their point.
It is understood that French and Italian forces in summer camps at Shanhaikwan received similar communications from Colonel Giga but so far have taken no action.
American forces in summer camp at Chinwangtao are not involved in the matter and, with the Legation, will carefully abstain from being drawn into the controversy.
It is feeling here that Japanese military needlessly and tactlessly created a difficult situation which although it will probably be settled amicably will not increase good will towards Japanese or effect any improvement in the international status of “Manchukuo”.