500 A 4002/79a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Schurman)
289. Yesterday the situation arising from the Japanese memorandum of October 20 [15?]60 regarding Shantung was discussed with me by the Chinese Minister. The Chinese Government, I understand from him, is of the opinion that I am against having the Shantung matter discussed in the Washington Conference. That opinion, I explained to the Minister, is without foundation. I explained that I felt that it would be wise for China to negotiate directly with the Japanese on account of tactical advantage instead of having the question presented to the decision of the Washington Conference where practically all the nations taking part are already committed by the Peace Treaty. When the Minister said that he hoped that Foreign Minister Yen would attend the Conference I suggested that if he came it would make it possible to continue the negotiations between the Chinese and Japanese Governments in a favorable atmosphere. The Minister inquired whether I would consider it proper to request the Foreign Minister to attend. I replied that I would be unable to request it but that of course I would gladly have you use any proper opportunity to suggest that it would be particularly pleasing if the head of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be able to personally attend. This has been done with respect to certain French and British statesmen.
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