893.102 Kulangsu/298
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 8.]
Sir: Confirming my telegram no. 110, February 12, 6 p.m.,81 I have the honor to report that, conformably to the instructions contained in the Department’s telegram no. 29 [39], January 29, 7 p.m., oral representations were made on February 6 by the Embassy to the Foreign Office with regard to the action of the Japanese authorities in instituting a blockade between Kulangsu and the mainland and making demand, at the same time, that the Kulangsu municipal authorities appoint additional constables. The Foreign Office was informed of the surprise of the American Government that the Japanese authorities have again adopted coercive methods. It will be noted from the memorandum of conversation, a copy of which is enclosed,81 that the Foreign Office contended that the blockade was a police measure and was not connected in any way with the demand of the Japanese Consul General for the appointment of additional constables.
The Foreign Office took occasion on February 10 to reaffirm its position in the matter—as did the Embassy the American position—and stated that a memorandum was under preparation and would be presented shortly to the Embassy. An informal document dated February 10, 1940, was received from the Foreign Office on February 12. It will be noted from the enclosed copy81 in translation that there are recited in the paper certain events and developments in support of the Japanese contention that there was no connection between the blockade and the approach to the Municipal Council of the Japanese Consul General.
Respectfully yours,