793.94/1985a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Japan (Neville)
182. I talked this morning with the Japanese Ambassador. On the basis of reports received from American representatives in China, I told Debuchi that it is my belief the Chinese will be ready to negotiate as soon as the withdrawal of Japanese troops within the railway zone has been completed. Debuchi said he regarded this condition as not unreasonable. I then summarized my efforts, the evidence of Chinese willingness to negotiate after withdrawal of Japanese troops and Debuchi’s affirmation, and I said, speaking frankly, that I thought the Japanese troops should get back into the railway zone immediately. Debuchi said he would at once report this conversation to Shidehara. You may urge this viewpoint upon Shidehara in your conversation with him.
Inform Peiping.