793.94/2119: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Nanking (Peck)
93. For the Minister: Your October 15, 10 a.m., from Nanking.
It is believed that this Government’s attitude on this matter as a whole has been indicated adequately. To answer a question which refers to an unfolding and constantly changing situation and which is based upon a hypothetical future condition that may or may not eventuate, is difficult, if not impossible. This Government’s objective, first of all, is to prevent the developing of a situation which would make it impossible to invoke any hitherto devised instruments for settlement by peaceful means of international disputes. In this controversy the Department has not taken sides in the case of the disputants. In determining its attitude and action, the Department does not intend that either party should force it into the role of policeman or prosecutor. The Department will exercise its best judgment in taking whatever steps it feels are best calculated at any moment in view of the situation to meet the momentary needs in relation to the above-mentioned objective. The Department’s thought regarding the Kellogg Pact and the Nine-Power Treaty is indicated in its communication to the League of Nations Council; see the second paragraph of the text transmitted in my 88, October 13, 11 a.m., to the Consul General at Nanking for the Minister. In the same communication [Page 209] is indicated the Department’s thought regarding the course of action which at the present stage it should pursue.
To your questioners you should say that this Government feels that the Chinese and Japanese Governments for the present should (1) continue taking every precaution possible against activities or incidents likely to aggravate the situation, and (2) endeavor, with the League Council’s aid and in conformity with advice offered by this Government, to reach an understanding which will make settlement of their differences possible by direct negotiation. Both of these points should be stressed by you.