861.77/2128: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Bell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:37 p.m.]
215. Mr. John F. Stevens sends following telegram:
“Have received high honors. My relations extremely cordial. I discussed railroad agreement with Matsudaira,8 the Minister of Railways, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, as the Assistant Secretary of State suggested. With the Minister of Railways and Matsudaira I talked about the necessary amendments.
I told them that my country was extremely anxious to continue to preserve normal conditions regarding the Chinese Eastern Railway in cooperation with the Allies, using the Technical Board for this purpose. I said that this Board should be given more power, these powers to include complete control as to finances and personnel. I also stated that America’s only purpose is to preserve the Open Door, to aid Russia, and to stabilize conditions. The persons I have mentioned expressed themselves as being in principle decidedly favorable to this policy. I told them also that the United States was ready to cooperate in any reasonable plan which Japan may wish and which will be just to all parties. If the State Department will take up this question now with the Japanese Government in a vigorous [Page 589] manner, I think that Government will favorably consider it. Considering attitude of Great Britain, I think that the above is the best course to follow. I expect to reach Harbin on June 28.”
- Tsuneo Matsudaira, Japanese representative on Inter-Allied Committee.↩