124.93/64: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 11—8:50 p.m.]
184. My telegram no. 155, June 17, 8 p.m. Baron Shidehara handed me the following written statement this afternoon:
“The Japanese Government attaching great importance to their relations with China have the intention of agreement by [to?] the exchange of Ambassadors between Japan and China. Having regard, however, to practical considerations, more particularly in relation to budget, they are not yet in a position finally to determine the date for effecting such exchange.
Should other powers interested in China be disposed to agree to the course indicated the Japanese Government propose that the powers so disposed will jointly inform the Chinese Government of that decision in principle, with necessary reserves respecting the date for the actual exchange of Ambassadors.
It is hoped that such date will be fixed by the powers upon previous communication with one another and that the powers may find it possible to raise simultaneously their respective Legations at Peking to Embassies. So far as the Japanese Government are concerned it is their present intention to proceed to the establishment of an Embassy at Peking on or about April 1st, 1925, provided that the necessary requirements under Japanese laws be completed in that time”.
Baron Shidehara stated British, French, Italian Governments also being informed but their [this?] information not being transmitted to China until reply of four other interested Governments to this communication received here.
He added that Japanese Government felt that there was strong sentiment in the Diet calling for this gesture on the part of Japan.
Peking informed.