File No. 763.72/6381
The Minister in China ( Reinsch) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 11, 5.50 a.m.]
In order to forestall possible action adverse to Chinese independence and possibly American interests, I have the honor to suggest authorization [Page 455] to inform the Chinese Government, upon the eventual issuance of declaration of war against Germany, that the American Government is ready to send to China a commission for the purpose of consultation concerning feasible mutual assistance during the war.
If such overture can be made to China promptly, it will put her in a position gracefully to decline proffers of exclusive or prominent assistance which may possibly be made, and possibly give to all assistance naturally growing out of the war a purely international character.