393.115/249
Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Ballantine) of a Conversation With the Counselor of the Japanese Embassy (Suma)
Mr. Ballantine took occasion, when Mr. Suma called in connection with another matter, to bring up the question of permission for Americans to return to Nanking and Soochow. Mr. Ballantine informed Mr. Suma substantially as follows:
American residents who had formerly lived or had business interests in Nanking or at Soochow have experienced considerable difficulty in obtaining permission from the Japanese military authorities [Page 311] to enable them to return to these places. Four months have now elapsed since the Japanese entry into these cities, and our reports indicate that there is at this time no element of danger which would of itself make it unwise for Americans to reside there. These Americans have regular tasks of business, mission and other enterprises, which they naturally desire to resume at the first opportunity. With regard to Consul Allison’s representation at Nanking, the Japanese military have taken the stand that if anything should happen to foreigners at Nanking the Japanese military would be morally responsible and they do not wish to take the risk. On the other hand, there are over eight hundred Japanese civilians now residing in Nanking and they have taken up various types of business in the city. Naturally, if Japanese civilians are residing in Nanking and Soochow in large numbers and Americans are prevented from returning, it will tend to produce a very unfavorable effect in this country.
Mr. Suma said he would take up the matter with his Government.