Office of the Historian

702.4193 Manchuria/11: Telegram

The Chargé in Japan (Neville) to the Secretary of State

Tokyo, September 28, 1934—2 p.m.
[Received September 28—4:17 a.m.]

216. Reference Department’s telegram No. 280, September 6, 5 [1] p.m. to Peiping. Rowsome incident.

1.
British Embassy here instructed to make representations concerning Rowsome incident because of “discourteous and unsatisfactory nature” of Japanese Consul General’s reply to representations made locally by the British Consul General.
2.
The Embassy has been asked by the British Embassy what action the Embassy proposes to take in the matter.
3.
In view of the fact that Rowsome appears [to] have escaped physical attack and was unmolested expecting [except?] insofar as he was a member of the group turned back by the Japanese workmen [Page 284] I feel no useful purpose would be served in undertaking formal representations in this case, especially in view of the fact of the British Government’s representations on behalf of their nationals involved.
4.
However, as the attitude of the Japanese Consul General at Mukden appears to have been discourteous and unsatisfactory I believe this fact might be brought informally to the attention of the Foreign Office here, and at the same time the opportunity might be used in a discreet manner to ascertain the unofficial views of the Japanese Government in the matter.
5.
Does the Department wish to authorize me to approach the Foreign Office in the above sense?

Copy my mail to Peiping.

Neville