793.94/339½

The Counselor for the Department of State (Lansing) to the Secretary of State

Dear Mr. Secretary: In the event that the Allied Powers refuse to unite in a joint representation to Japan, which I am afraid will be their reply, I think that we should be prepared to act immediately.

I suggest, therefore, that a notice in the sense of the one annexed be sent to Tokio and also to Peking.25 While it might not prevent Japan from carrying out her purpose of coercing China to submit to her demands, it would constitute a complete reservation of all possible rights affecting American interests and Chinese interests as well, so that any agreement forced upon China at the present time could properly become the subject of discussion in the future when the conditions are more propitious.

Faithfully yours,

Robert Lansing
  1. For the note as sent on May 11, see Foreign Relations, 1915, p. 146.