CHINA CHINESE CENSORSHIP RESTRICTIONS UPON AMERICAN MOVING PICTURES IN CHINA-Continued Date and number Subject Page 1936 Nov. 18 (329) Nov. 18 (73) Nov. 19 (331) Nov. 20 (562) Nov. 21 (332) Nov. 25 (288) Dec. 1 (336) Dec. 3 (898) Dec. 7 (346) Dec. 30 (385) From the Counselor of Embassy in China (tel.) To the Ambassador in China (tel.) 678 679 Instructions to make appropriate representations as requested in No. 329 of November 18. 679 From the Counselor of Embassy in China (tel.) Conversation with Foreign Office official who indicated that the Paramount film controversy is of long standing and volunteered to try to have the ban withdrawn until the film which precipitated the dispute can be inspected by the Censorship Committee. From the Ambassador in China (tel.) To Nanking, November 19: Instructions to make strong representations to the Foreign Office against the arbitrary action of the Censorship Committee, indicating the unfavorable reaction in publicity it would receive in United States. From the Counselor of Embassy in China (tel.) Conversations with the Vice Foreign Minister, who apparently sympathizes entirely with the Censorship Committee which he believes is in a strong tactical position, but he may refrain from pressing his advantage because of the SinoJapanese tension. To the Ambassador in China (tel.) Advice of information cabled from Paramount's Shanghai Complications in temporary resumption of the censoring of Foreign Office's agreement with opinion that no legal pro- From the Counselor of Embassy in China (tel.) Release of two Paramount films held by the Censorship Committee, and involved situation regarding the matter of international withdrawal of another disputed film from circulation. From the Ambassador in China (tel.) Information that Paramount films are again being censored but whole matter will be reviewed when certain controversial films reach Nanking. 680 680 682 682 684 684 685 CHINA AMERICAN INTEREST IN PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE INTERNATIONAL Subject From the Consul General at Shanghai to the Ambassador in China From the Ambassador in China Establishment of Japanese patrols in certain American and British defense sectors at Shanghai without notification of authorities, and their withdrawal from American sector, following a letter of inquiry from Colonel Price of the Fourth Marines. From the Ambassador in China Views concerning the request of the Chinese Ratepayers' Association for an increase in Chinese representation on the Shanghai Municipal Council of the International Settlement. (Footnote: Consul General's opinion that initiative for change, if general agreement exists, should not come from the American Consul General.) From the Ambassador in China Report of approval of proposals outlined by the Consul Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs From the Ambassador in China (tel.) Summary of instructions sent to the Consul General relative to the activities of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps. Page 685 687 688 689 690 693 Oct. 14 (243) To the Ambassador in China (tel.) 694 Suggestions in regard to No. 475 of October 2. Oct. 16 (504) From the Ambassador in China (tel.) 695 Report from the Consul General, who may inform the Chairman of the Shanghai Council orally that the matter of the activities of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps has been referred to the Department. Oct. 17 (790) From the Ambassador in China 695 Comments relative to the proposed textual amendments of the Land Regulations. Oct. 17 (791) From the Ambassador in China 697 Reply made, October 7, by interested consular representatives to request of Chinese Ratepayers' Association for increased representation on Shanghai Municipal Council. Oct. 29 (283) To the Ambassador in China 699 Nov. 11 (270) General concurrence with views of Consul General and agreement that the Consulate General not take initiative in matters such as that of increased Chinese representation on the Shanghai Municipal Council. To the Ambassador in China (tel.) Suggestion that reply to Council's inquiry, in regard to the retention of the American Landing Force, be deferred until receipt of British Consul General's views regarding the question of size and maintenance of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps. 700 CHINA AMERICAN INTEREST IN PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE INTERNATIONAL Date and number 1936 Nov. 21 (604) Subject From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Observations in regard to inadvisability of acceding to Page 701 Nov. 22 (565) Nov. 25 (613) Dec. 3 (507) From the Ambassador in China (tel.) 702 To Shanghai: Approval of views and proposed action in 702 From the Consul General at Shanghai (tel.) Exchange of views between American, British, and Japanese Consuls General regarding Japanese representations to the Shanghai Municipal Council for increased policing participation, and the Japanese Consul General's agreement to study the subject further. From the Consul General at Shanghai Information regarding a meeting of various British representatives with the Secretary General (an American) of the Shanghai Municipal Council, who reported a discussion of the situation which has arisen in connection with Japanese demands for control of the policing of the northern and eastern districts of the International Settlement. JAPAN POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN JAPAN; THE ASSASSINATIONS OF FEBRUARY 26 704 1936 Jan. 7 (1630) From the Ambassador in Japan 706 Summary of current economic, financial, and political trends in Japan. Feb. 25 (64) From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) 718 Feb. 26 (36) Advice of Litvinov's satisfaction with results of the Japanese elections and Chinese Ambassador's opinion that a more suave method of procedure in Sino-Japanese relations might ensue. From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 719 Information that military has taken over partial possession of Government, and unconfirmed report of assassination of several prominent men. Feb. 26 (37) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 719 Further information relative to the uprising of the military against the Government. Feb. 26 (25) To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 721 Message to be transmitted to the Foreign Minister extending condolences upon the death of distinguished officials of the Japanese Government. Feb. 26 (38) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 721 Confidential information relative to the coup d'état which appears to have been the work of junior officers. Feb. 26 (39) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 723 Appointment of a temporary acting Premier and report that JAPAN POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN JAPAN; THE ASSASSINATIONS OF FEBRUARY 26— Feb. 27 (42) From the Ambassador in China (tel.) 725 Reaction of Chinese officials to the coup in Tokyo and unconfirmed reports of officials killed or wounded. Feb. 27 (71) From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) 725 Feb. 27 (43) Feb. 28 (44) Feb. 28 (44) Feb. 28 (27) Feb. 28 (73) Feb. 28 (45) Feb. 28 (46) Feb. 28 Comments regarding the situation in Tokyo by a Soviet official, who said he expected the Japanese Army to make an immediate brutal advance against China and possibly against Outer Mongolia. From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Indications that a temporary compromise has been reached between the Government and the insurgents, and rumors_of considerable movements of troops throughout the city. Information that Embassy is heavily guarded by Government troops. From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Advice of adequate protection for the Embassy in case of necessity; declination of offer of further special Japanese protection. From the Ambassador in China (tel.) Chinese expectation of a more drastic Japanese attitude toward China and the Soviet Union; and the Soviet Ambassador's belief that Japan will concentrate its attack upon a weak and disunited China. To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Commendation for efforts in present emergency and reminder that the Embassy staff should not be exposed unnecessarily to danger. From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (tel.) Comments by Litvinov relative to the situation in Tokyo; and the Chinese Ambassador's opinion that increased pressure on China will not be felt for several weeks. From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Indications of a lessening in the tension in Tokyo; and a report that the insurgents have agreed to obey the Emperor's commands to return to their barracks, but are negotiating as to conditions under which they will return. From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Imminence of fighting following insurgents' refusal to obey order to disband and return to barracks. From the Consul at Dairen to the Ambassador in Japan Summary of conversation between the Soviet Consul and the president of the South Manchuria Railway, who stated that the rebellion was actually against capitalism and for the purpose of ridding Japan of politicians and returning the country to the Emperor. 726 727 727 728 728 729 730 731 JAPAN POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN JAPAN; THE ASSASSINATIONS OF FEBRUARY 26 1936 Feb. 29 (47) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Page 732 From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Feb. 29 (49) Feb. 29 (50) Feb. 29 (51) Further information as to safety of Embassy, and of a radio announcement of surrender of some insurgents and planedropped leaflets stating that refusal to obey the Emperor would mean death. From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 733 Announcement of surrender of all the revolting troops. 734 Advice that no injury to American citizens has been reported during recent incident. 734 Sudden return of Prime Minister Okada, presumed assassinated; and unknown fate of 20 officers involved in the insurgency. Mar. 1 (52) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 734 Retention of martial law although normal conditions prevail; the suicide of one insurgent officer and dismissal of other insurgents from army without trial. Mar. 2 (53) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 735 Information of conferences looking toward formation of a new Cabinet, and of letter of appreciation sent to the Foreign Minister for measures taken for the safety of Embassy during the recent uprising. Mar. 3 (28) To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 735 Suggestions for preparation of a comprehensive account of last week's coup. Mar. 4 (56) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 736 Functioning of the resigned Okada Cabinet pending formation of the next Cabinet which Japanese newspapers editorially demand be capable of stabilizing the situation. Mar. 4 (57) From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) 736 Advice that all available data requested in No. 28 of March 3 is being transmitted and will be supplemented as promptly as possible. Memorandum by the Secretary of State 737 Mar. 4 Conversation relative to trade and international finance with the Japanese Ambassador, who called to express gratitude for message of condolence and said the Japanese uprising was reaction against discriminatory economic treatment of farmers and small businessmen. Mar. 5 (1706) From the Ambassador in Japan 738 Evidence in support of opinion that the result of the Diet election on February 20 was one of the immediate causes of the recent uprising. Mar. 5 (1707) From the Ambassador in Japan 742 Detailed report on the trial of Lt. Col. Aizawa for the 1935 murder of Maj. Gen. Nagata, with particular reference to its bearing on the recent uprising and on the political views of the discontented element in the Army. |