793.94/4141: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan ( Forbes )
54. Embassy’s 61, February 11, 10:00 p.m.; and 64, February 12, 6:00 p.m.21 I am convinced by the information which has come to me from many sources that the Japanese military authorities at no time have considered any cessation of hostilities upon any fair basis since their initial repulse at Shanghai, but throughout, in the hope of restoring their prestige, have been determined to force a military decision. The statements and actions enumerated in your telegram No. 61 I cannot therefore credit as in fact indicating any possibility of a settlement except on terms so humiliating to the Chinese that in securing them we could not possibly participate. Consequently, I prefer that there not be any initiative, however indirect, looking towards such efforts taken by any of your staff in Tokyo. It is my opinion that such action is likely to lead to misinterpretation and humiliating rebuff. In this country the feeling is very strong that we have done everything towards conciliating Japan consistent with our dignity.
- Neither printed.↩