693.119/421: Telegram
The Minister in China ( Reinsch ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 6.50 p.m.]
Your December 6, 4 p.m. My telegram April 5, 4 p.m. As the Japanese Minister has finally indicated that his Government would [Page 668] agree to a declaration against the import of arms and ammunition as suggested by you originally, the representatives of the five powers (Italy, Japan subject to detailed authorization) have decided to make a statement to the following effect, which the minister[s] of other countries here represented will be invited to join.
“The Governments here represented agree effectively to restrain their citizens and subjects from importing into China arms and ammunition until the establishment of a government whose authority is recognized throughout the country; and the Governments agree to prohibit also the importation of arms contracted for but not delivered during the above named period.”
As this action is the result of the American initiative and is in itself highly desirable I beg to request authorization.