"With the development of hostilities in China, the area south of the Yellow River and east of the line connecting Sian, capital of Shensi Province, Ichang in Hupei Province, Hengyang in Hunan Province and Pakhoi on the Gulf of Tonking, except the region under Japanese occupation, foreign leased territory and concessions, is likely to become a danger zone. The Japanese Government wishes to prevent misfortunes befalling foreign residents and their property in the above-mentioned area on account of the Sino-Japanese hostilities. It is highly desirable, therefore, that the foreign nationals residing in this specified area and the caretakers of their property carry out the following:
"(a) Foreigners and foreign vessels remaining in the above-mentioned area do not approach the Chinese military establishments.
"(b) Foreign properties in the above-mentioned area be provided with clear aerial and land marks and their locations be promptly communicated to the Japanese authorities in China.
"(c) No Chinese military or naval force be allowed to utilize or approach the foreign property in the zone where hostilities are actually going on, otherwise the Japanese force will be compelled to attack it and will be unable to assume responsibility for its protection.
"The Japanese Government desires that the Powers concerned advise their nationals and vessels in the above-mentioned area to that effect.
"It is hardly necessary to mention that the Japanese Government is not compelling the Powers concerned to accept its wish, but it may be added that it is highly desirable for foreigners resident in the above-mentioned area, if possible, to withdraw from the area where hostilities are actually taking place to safer districts in order to prevent outbreaks of various unfortunate incidents from overtaking them.
"In view of the necessity felt by the Japanese forces for making aerial bombings on Chinese military establishments even outside the above-mentioned area, locations of those foreign properties and interests which have not yet been communicated to the Japanese Government should be informed to the Japanese authorities with distinct aerial marks provided. The Japanese Government will deeply appreciate the favour if the Powers concerned advise their nationals not to approach Chinese military establishments.
"The Japanese forces have hitherto often found some aerial marks indistinct. Therefore, the Japanese Government hopes that the Powers concerned will give heed to this point in order to make the aerial marks more distinct.
"This representation is prompted by the sincere desire on the part of the Japanese Government to prevent misfortunes from befalling foreign residents and their property in China as a result of the development of military action and also to prevent the outbreak of unpleasant incidents. The Japanese Government hopes that the Powers concerned may fully understand the circumstances and pay consideration to the representation."