Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1938, The Far East, Volume IV

393.115/147: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State

Tokyo, January 31, 1938—5 p.m.
[Received January 31—7:38 a.m.]

60. My 53, January 26, 5 p.m.³⁷

1. The Military Attaché³⁸ was confidentially informed today at the War Office that General Homma had proceeded to China as a representative of Imperial Headquarters and carried instructions from Imperial Headquarters to General Matsui with regard to the prevention of acts violative of foreign rights and interests.

2. According to the War Office, one of the measures being devised to assure against violations of foreign rights and interests is the stationing of officers of field rank at various points in China where there are concentrations of Japanese troops. Lieutenant Colonel Hirota, who is to be one of these officers, is to proceed to Nanking where he will be stationed under General Matsui.

Repeated to Shanghai for repetition to Nanking and Hankow.

Grew

37. Not printed.
38. Maj. Harry I. T. Creswell.