861.77 Chinese Eastern/482: Telegram
The Chargé in Switzerland (Moffat) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—6:25 p.m.]
112. Drummond22 informs me privately that Chinese representative at Geneva called on him today with reference to Russo-Chinese [Page 355] dispute and explained that, in spite of all representations thus far made, Russian aggression is continuing and that in the eyes of the Chinese Government the situation is growing daily more acute. He came to inquire what steps the League could or would take if he were [to] present a formal request for intervention. Drummond pointed out to him that if China should appeal to the League he, Drummond, would at once arrange for an emergency meeting of the Council under article XI which could be convened within a minimum of three days. It would then be necessary for the Council to take action under article XVII of the Covenant and invite Russia which is not a member of the League “to accept the obligations of membership” for the purpose of this dispute. Chinese representative thereupon left without presenting a request for League assistance.
I understand that following this interview Chinese representative told members of the press that there were two mechanisms designed to insure peace, namely, the League of Nations and the Kellogg Pact, and that in the circumstances China might well decide to invoke both.
- Sir Eric Drummond, Secretary General of the League of Nations.↩