600.A4/8a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Ruddock)
191. Inform Chinese Government that this Government has made inquiry of Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan whether it would be agreeable to them to take part in a conference on the limitation of armament, the conference to be held in Washington at a time mutually convenient. This question manifestly has a close relation to Pacific and Far Eastern problems and it is suggested that the Powers especially interested in these problems, including China, should undertake in connection with the conference the consideration of all matters bearing upon their solution with a view to reaching a common understanding with respect to principles and policies in the Far East. Ascertain by informal inquiry whether it would be agreeable to China to take part in the discussion relating to Far Eastern problems.