893.5045/88: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Mayer)
110. Your 217 June 12 6 p.m.50 paragraph 5 last sentence. For your strictly confidential information. On the 15th instant I saw the Chinese Minister and made the following informal statement to him: [Page 734]
“The United States has, as it always has had, the most friendly feeling toward China and is desirous of being helpful. The Department views with apprehension the continued anti-foreign demonstrations and disturbances in several parts of China. While the situation at Shanghai, according to late reports, has somewhat improved, the disturbance has spread to other places. I am apprehensive lest the continuance of these demonstrations should bring some harm to American life and property. If such an untoward incident occurs the effect on the American public will surely be changed from the present friendly attitude. In view of the readiness of the Diplomatic Body at Peking to cooperate with the Chinese Government in investigating and settling the matter, something should be done by the Chinese Government to prevent the spread of these disturbances.” In a general discussion with Minister Sze I also said “the Government of the United States is pleased that the Tariff Conference will be held soon and hopes that an atmosphere will not be created to hinder it from convening at an early date or from achieving the desired end. There are also other conferences called for by the Washington Agreements to be held in the future and such conferences are unlikely to bring about good results unless held under favorable circumstances and in a friendly atmosphere, An unfavorable atmosphere may make it impossible to achieve any suitable results.”
The Department understands that the Minister telegraphed his Government in the sense of the above.