793.94/3990: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Forbes) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, February 6,
1932—noon.
[Received February 6—3:22 a.m.]
[Received February 6—3:22 a.m.]
44. Department’s 41, February 5, 6 p.m.17 The following is Embassy’s translation omitting heading, et cetera.
“I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note number 208 on February 2, 1932, transmitting by instruction of your Government proposals in regard to the Shanghai affair, and to state in reply the views of the Japanese Government in regard to these proposals.
[Page 183]- 1.
- It is that the Chinese troops cease immediately and completely their challenging and disturbing activities. If this can be assured, the Japanese troops will also cease warlike activities. If, on the contrary, the Chinese (irrespective of whether they be regular or plainclothes troops) continue these challenging and disturbing activities, the Japanese forces reserve complete freedom of action.
- 2.
- In view of the unreliable, actions of the Chinese troops and of the gravity of the situation, the Japanese Government is unable to cease mobilization and preparation for hostilities.
- 3.
- The Japanese Government has no objection to its consul and commander entering into negotiations for arranging for separation of Japanese and Chinese forces, and, in case of necessity, for the establishment of a neutral zone in the Chapei district.
- 4.
- Assuming that the Manchuria affair is included in “all outstanding controversies between the, two nations,” the Japanese Government is unable to accede to this proposal because not only is the Manchuria affair distinctly a separate affair, but also because this matter was covered by the resolution of the League Council at the meeting on December 10th. Furthermore, it is the Japanese Government’s fixed policy to refuse to accept the assistance of observers of a third country or of participants, in the settlement of the Manchuria affair.
I avail myself, et cetera.”
Forbes