CO129-575-3 Japanese affairs 2-1-1939 - 21-12-1939 — Page 65

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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.