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general restrictions on trade imposed at Japanese instance.
There now come to hand reports that the Japanese military
authorities at Tientsin are contemplating some drastic
action at that place.
It is the firm belief of the American Government that
points at issue which may arise during the present abnormal
conditions in China among various foreign authorities are
susceptible of adjustment without the employment of coercive
measures. Having in mind the legitimate interests of
American citizens, the American Government hopes that the
Japanese Government will refrain from taking any steps which
may tend to increase the tension at Tientsin and thereby
cause further detriment to American interests in that port.
June 10, 1939.