124.93/97
The British Embassy to the Department of State
Aide Mémoire
His Majesty’s Government have had under careful consideration the question of taking some action in regard to the decision of the Japanese Government to raise their Legation at Peking to the status of an Embassy.
It appears to His Majesty’s Government that some attempt is now being made by the various conflicting groups in China to arrive at some form of cooperation which may emerge into an effective Government and His Majesty’s Government feel that any action which might discourage such efforts would be unfortunate. Inasmuch, however, as the present Provisional Government in China includes a strong element favourable to Japan, it is thought that the present moment is unfavourable for asking the Japanese Government to cancel their decision regarding a Japanese Embassy at Peking. On the other hand, it is thought that if the situation in China does in fact show definite improvement the Powers might, in due time and acting in concert, use the proposal to raise the status of their Missions in China to Embassies as an inducement to persuade the Chinese Government to press on with the re-organization of the Administration and to afford effective protection to foreign interests in China. To take such joint action might more easily enable the Powers to exercise their influence in China for the general benefit in the future. For these reasons His Majesty’s Government would welcome the postponement of the actual execution of the decision of the Japanese Government to raise their Legation at Peking to an Embassy.
In making this suggestion His Majesty’s Government are not in any way binding themselves to appoint an Ambassador at Peking under any circumstances, but their idea is that it would be unfortunate not to take advantage of any means of joint influence such as the execution of the above suggestion would offer.
If the United States Govermnent agree and will send instructions to the United States Ambassador at Tokio to approach the Japanese Government unofficially in the above sense, with a view to the postponement of the execution of their decision in this matter, His Majesty’s Government will be happy to instruct their Representative at Tokio to support the action of his United States Colleague.