793.94/1905: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Neville) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28, 9:15 a.m.]
163. My telegram No. 161, September 25, 7 p.m.22 I have just received the following note from the Minister for Foreign Affairs:
“I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your note of September 2523 in which you were so good as to convey to me the views of the American Government on the subject of the actual condition of affairs in Manchuria.
The Japanese Government is deeply sensible of the friendly concern and the fairness of views with which the American Government has observed the recent course of events in Manchuria. In common with the hope expressed by the American Government, it has already caused the Japanese military forces in Manchuria to refrain from any further acts of hostility, unless their own safety as well as the security of the South Manchuria Railway and of Japanese lives and property within that railway zone is jeopardized by the aggression of Chinese troops or armed bands. Every care has been, and will continue to be, exercised by the Japanese forces to observe all the requirements of international law and international agreements, and to avoid any action that is calculated to prejudice an amicable settlement of the differences between Japan and China.
The Japanese Government is confident [that] by frank and unimpassioned discussions between the two parties in conflict, in the light of their true and lasting interests, an adjustment will be found to set at rest the existing situation of tension in Manchuria.”
The Foreign Office told me that they had communicated it to the Japanese Minister at Washington. It has also been released to the press. Repeated to Peiping.