893.51/2773: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Tenney) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:16 p.m.]
81. Following telegram for J. P. Morgan and Company from Lamont for the information of American group and [to] inform the Department:
“14. April 15th. Just received your copies of messages from British and French groups.6 I note that both now concur in final form of group letters submitted. Matter of course now depends [on] attitude [of] Japanese Government after receiving final American, British notes gist of which I hope soon to be informed of. Am strongly convinced as ever that only strong attitude by American, the British standing together as heretofore, French concurring, will settle matter promptly. Many Chinese newspapers under control of Japan are daily printing violent attacks upon consortium grossly misstating its aims and plans.
Your 14.7 Will await further examination your 16,7 heartiest thanks your interesting information.
For your information Chinese Government urges consortium or if that not feasible American group in cooperation with China undertake management Chinese Eastern Railway, this obviously to offset Japanese action. I sympathize with desires Chinese Government not to have railway fall in alien hands and believe if Harbin reports are correct Japanese action calculated have exceedingly ill effects. Chinese Eastern for long future such important link of international communication that believe association with China might be advantageous. It should be internationally handled but see no possibility of present action by banking groups. Tenney and I have asked Stevens send me his views as to situation. Will appreciate views of American group, additional [to those?] of the Department whose attitude on this subject must be guiding.”