793.94/1084: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 23—8:48 a.m.]
197. Your April 8th, 2 p.m. [3 p.m.] via Peking. As far as I can learn confidential and unofficial exchanges are continually going on between Chinese and Japanese persons here and in Peking and I have no doubt that extended discussions have taken place in regard to Shantung. Apparently satisfactory assurances have now been given that China is prepared to begin official negotiations. At all events the Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me last night that the transfer of all title-deeds and papers in regard to Shantung had been completed in Berlin and he had taken this occasion to instruct Obata again to approach the Chinese Government and urge an immediate conference on the subject.