File No. 793.94/565.
Ambassador Page to the Secretary of State.
London, May 7, 1915—7 p.m.
2062. Sir Edward Gray informs me that he gave the following memorandum to the Japanese Ambassador here yesterday:
His Majesty’s Government are very much concerned at the prospect of a war between China and Japan. They feel this may imperil the independence and integrity of China which is one of the main objects of the Anglo-Japanese alliance. In view of Article 1 of the alliance, we trust that the Japanese Government will not finally shut the door upon the possibility of agreements with China without consulting with us and giving us an opportunity of promoting a friendly settlement.
Sir Edward Gray further informs me that the Japanese Government have withdrawn the demands classified under Group V and left [Page 145] them for subsequent discussion and settlement, thus leaving a way open for the Chinese acceptance of the demands as they now stand.
Sir Edward Gray expressed the hope today to the Chinese Minister that his Government would find itself able to accept them.