US RESPONSE

US RESPONSE

American Press Reaction

San Francisco

Bombing of USS Panay was more serious than a mere mistake by the Japanese. Apologies for the incident was not enough. Although the Japanese government offer apologies, we need to be firm and take steps to make sure that these incidences do not occur again. This incident was intolerable because Americans were killed; however, it was not serious enough to go to war.

Los Angles

With insufficient evidence of deliberate action and prompt expression of regret by the Japanese government, the people should be patient and allow the government to take appropriate action against Japan. Japanese military officials should be held responsible for the incident because of their subordinates' carelessness. This incident was not a reason to go to war.

Omaha, Neb

Americans are committed to keep out of all wars; however, when will the crimes of government’s stop. Will the crimes find its way to American shores? When will the murderous aggression against innocent people stop? If there is no way to stop such aggression, it will eventually overrun the world.

St. Paul

Both the Japanese and US governments have handled the situation effectively. They have easily settled the regrettable affair in the Yangtze River. However, with the continued violence in the region, will the easy settlements last?

FDR’s Response

Secretary Hull Memo from President Roosevelt

Immediately after hearing the news of the sinking of the USS Panay, White House Press Secretary, Stephen T. Early, made an informal statement for the President to urge public support for the government. He further expressed to the press and public that all actions would not be political but for national patriotism.

President Roosevelt took quick action and sent Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, to the Japanese Ambassador, Hirosi Saito, with a request that the Emperor Hirohito understand how shocked and concerned the President was over the incident. President’s actions indicate the gravity of the situation. In his instructions to Secretary of State Cordell Hull, President Roosevelt made his direct protest of the incident.

Divided Congress

Upon the news of the sinking of the USS Panay by Japanese planes, members of Congress were divided upon the right course of action to take against Japan.

Senator Key Pittman, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, stated that the series of accidents that have occurred in China followed by quick apologies by the Japanese government was becoming intolerable. These accidents were mainly caused by the amount of discretionary power the Japanese government gives its military leaders. He also voiced the importance of ensuring that the Japanese government hold their military officers responsible for the actions of their subordinates. Japan could only demonstrate their good faith through the punishment of these leaders. These incidents also places Japan in a position that creates suspicion that the government had deliberately caused these incidents to drive foreign nationals out of China.

Senator William E Borah stated that the sinking of the Panay was just an accident and does not require drastic action by the United States.

Senator Elbert D. Thomas of Utah stated that since Japan admitted to the wrongful sinking of the USS Panay, the United States could not go to war. Even though the public will demand for all military removed from China, the United States must maintain its presence in China to continue its mission of mercy.

Senator Pat McCarran stated that the United States should have pulled out of China and all Americans should have evacuated China when the United States government notified its citizens of the violence. The citizens that remained in China only endanger all of America.

Senator Henrik Shipstead asked why the military was still in China and why they haven’t pulled everyone out.

Senator William H King stated that because of Japan’s actions in China, Japan had violated the Nine Powers treaty of which the United States was a signatory. Although Japan demonstrate regret for the sinking of the USS Panay, it’s aggressive action only suggests that the Japanese government has no intentions of stopping the violence in China.

Senator Frederick Van Nuys stated that the United States government must first get all the facts before taking action.

Senator Lewis B Schwellenbach stated that the United States could not go to war because the Japanese sank the USS Panay which was protecting American interests in China.

Senator Arthur Capper stated the in order to prevent going to war with either Japan or China, the United States must withdraw the remaining gunboats operating in the Yangtze River.

Senator William H Smathers stated, in a letter to Secretary Hull, that further exposure to the Japanese-Chinese conflict would cause the American people to become indifferent to becoming involved in the conflict and result in the United States being drawn into the Japanese-Chinese conflict.

Representative Hamilton Fish of New York stated that the people should not at any cost become hysterical and desire revenge against Japan. It was imperative that all facts are gathered and threats of war should not be made.

Senator Gerald P Nye of North Dakota blames President Roosevelt for the sinking of the USS Panay. He stated that the President failed to invoke the Neutrality Act; therefore leading to the Japanese indiscriminant bombing of the USS Panay.

Admiral Yarnell’s Report

Admiral Yarnell, commander and chief of the Asiatic fleet, reported to Secretary Hull his finding on the sinking of the USS Panay and three Standard Oil Vessels by the Japanese on December 12, 1937. The report confirmed that all unofficial accounts reported about the Japanese attack on the American vessels on the Yangtze River was a deliberate act by the Japanese Military. Japanese soldiers had lined the Yangtze River to witness the attack by the Japanese planes. The Japanese planes not only attacked the American vessels once, but made four different attack runs which ultimately resulted in the sinking of all the vessels.

After receiving the report from Admiral Yarnell, Secretary Hull immediately sent the report to Ambassador Joseph C Grew in Toyko. This report by Admiral Yarnell enabled Ambassador Grew to expand and elaborate upon the protest considered by the Japanese Government from the United States Government.

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by Peter Bugler May 6, 2001