893.00 Nanking/97: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20—12:50 p.m.]
462. My No. 440, April 15, 7 p.m. My British, French and Italian colleagues have been authorized to proceed in accordance with recommendations in my telegram under reference, subject to agreement by all five of the interested powers. My Japanese colleague has not yet received his instructions. I hope instructions may be sent to me as soon as possible so that agreement and action may be expedited. The Nanking outrages occurred four weeks ago tomorrow and each day’s delay lessens the possibility of a satisfactory settlement by peaceful means.