As a further illustration of Chinese intránsigeancy, it may be mentioned that at a Consular Body meeting on August 15. the Japanese Consul-General gave an undertaking that his side would not fly bombing planes over the foreign areas south of the Soochow Creek provided the Chinese side gave a similar undertaking. The Offer subsequently was rejected by the Chinese Mayor on the specious ground that China claimed air sover-eighty over the foreign areas. The claims of humanity were thus weighed against technicalities and found wanting. Nevertheless the Japanese undertaking was adhered to, Lest the Japanese side be accused of unfairness in quoting ex parte statements, it is here stated that they are perfectly willing to agree to the publication of the complete minutes of the meetings of the Joint Commission of June 23 and August 12 if there is no objection on the part of the other members of the Commission, The Japanese side feel that the unreserved publication of these records will greatly strengthen heir contention that the blame and responsibility for the present hostilities at Shanghai must be placed squarely on the shoulders of the Chinese authorities.
A culminating piece of evidence of the Japanese determination to exert all means of averting a conflict with the Chinese in this area may be cited On the afternoon of August 13 the Japanese Consul-General through an intermediary enlisted the good offices of his American, British and French colleagues, who saw the Chinese Mayor on his behalf and. suggested (subject to the approval of the higher authorities) the restoration of the status quo ante by mutual withdrawal, that is, the withdrawal of the. Chinese armed forces from the prohibited area and the concurrent withdrawal of the Japanese naval reinforcements: Had the Chinese side possessed: a sincere desire to preserve the peace, such an offer would have been seized upon with avidity and extraordinary measures would have been taken to meet it. Instead of this the Mayor received the proposal without enthusiasm, merely contenting himself with a statement that the suggestion would be transmitted to Nanking for consideration, When it is remembered that Chinese military units attacked the same night/this casual attitude is indeed illuminating.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.