793.94/15927: Telegram
The Consul General at Hankow (Spiker) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:25 p.m.]
Representatives of the Japanese Army and Japanese Consulate General here called on an officer of this Consulate General at midnight Japanese time and stated that reconnaissance by Japanese planes showed concentration of Chinese military activity in immediate vicinity of third power vessels and properties at Ichang; that Japanese military authorities accordingly planned to bomb Ichang “sometime after midnight” and that they desired that American vessels and citizens at Ichang remove from that city to some safer place.
In reply the Japanese were informed that their last minute request concerning military operations which might start at any minute in Ichang was most surprising; that they had been fully informed as to the location of American properties afloat and ashore in Ichang and that as previously notified to them the last time on June 7 they would be expected to take every precaution to safeguard American lives and property wherever located. I have confirmed in writing such advices given by Vice Consul Davies and have made full reservations in respect to any harm suffered by American citizens or their properties.
American missions at Ichang have been requested to report result of bombing as affecting American lives and property.
[Page 876]Reports received from American sources in Ichang on June 7 show that city has been in state of alarm for some days in expectation of Japanese military operations and that all normal means of communication were cut as from the afternoon of June 7. On receipt such advices this office made immediate representations to the Japanese Consulate General looking to the protection of American interest.
Sent to Chungking, Peiping, Shanghai.