893.102S/2030: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (Butrick) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 17—3:40 a.m.]
320. At a conference at the British Consulate General yesterday afternoon with police and civilian officials of the International Settlement, and the British and American commanders of military, it was decided that my British colleague79 and I bring to the attention of our Japanese colleague a confidential police report indicating that Japanese instigated attempts would be made to assassinate newly elected members of the Council. We later took such action. Our Japanese colleague frankly stated that he could not conceive of the report being true but would nevertheless bring it immediately to the attention of the Japanese military authorities and the “mayor” of the Shanghai Municipality. He suggested also that the report might be a screen to cover activities of terrorists motivated by Chungking. He [condemned?] all terroristic activities and said that he was working constantly for peace and order within the Settlement. I respectfully suggest that the Embassy in its discretion indicate to the Chinese Government the necessity at this time for the complete suppression of all terroristic activities in the Shanghai foreign areas.80 The police are taking measures to protect the councilors.
Sent to Chungking, repeated to Peiping, code text by air mail to Tokyo.