861.77 Chinese Eastern/477: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Neville) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—11:05 a.m.]
111. Department’s telegram No. 117.23 Minister of Foreign Affairs told me that he doubted the practical benefit which would ensue from the issuing of a joint statement by the powers. He said that statements had been made at Nanking that China would appeal to the powers and that the Russians regardless of the facts in the case would regard any such public statement as instigated by the Chinese; that reports from Japanese Consulates in Manchuria [Station] and Tsitsihar indicated that the recent warlike activity in Manchuria was greater in degree but no different from actions that had been fairly constant during the past few months; that the actual fighting seemed to have quieted down and he did not apprehend any further grave developments as the Japanese Consuls stated there was no danger to Japanese residents; though it was found true that the Chinese officials had left Manchuli.
He then told me that he was anxious for the restoration of peaceful conditions and that he was prepared to, and would on his own responsibility, tell both the Russians and the Chinese privately that the recent disturbances were attracting the attention of the world [Page 356] and producing a bad impression and added that he did not believe that actual warfare would result or that the Soviets had any intention if they had the ability to occupy any territory permanently. He told me further that there was a prospect of negotiations over the Chinese Eastern Railway being opened between Mukden and the Soviets with the approval of the Nanking authorities and that he would hesitate to recommend any action that might prejudice such arrangements.
He then said, in reply to my question, that this was not his final answer and that although he did not believe he would change his mind he, would see me again before the 29th and tell me his decision.