793.94/1184–½
Memorandum, by the Secretary of State of a Conversation with the Chinese Minister (Sze), August 11, 1921
The Chinese Minister asked for information with respect to the Conference and was informed that the formal invitation was going out this afternoon; that it would be given to the press this evening; and that a memorandum containing a copy would be furnished the Chinese Minister. The Chinese Minister inquired with regard to conversations as to agenda. The Secretary said that conversations would be had and he hoped that some matters would be disposed of before the Conference; that he saw no reason why certain questions should not be dealt with before the Conference if they could be satisfactorily treated. The Secretary referred to the Shantung question as one of these. He told the Minister that there might possibly be a more advantageous opportunity to deal with it before the Conference inasmuch as Great Britain, France and Italy had ratified the Treaty of Versailles and would find difficulty in dealing with the question at the Conference.
The Chinese Minister said that China was reluctant to be left to deal with the matter in direct negotiation with Japan but that if the United States would act as intermediary and could secure a satisfactory proposition from Japan it would be very helpful. The Secretary said that he would not care to have the United States take the role of a mediator, but inasmuch as the suggestion had been made that this Government might open the matter with China in view of having direct negotiations between Japan and China, there might be a favorable opportunity to inquire as to Japan’s proposals.
The Secretary emphasized the importance of not having any information go out from Peking to the effect that the United States would act as mediator in the matter and that it would be better to have the question left in the hands of this Government for the time being.