793.94/2211: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:55 p.m.]
224. My 219, October 18, 7 p.m. and 220, October 18, 8 p.m.,85 and similar telegrams.
(1) This morning I was informed that for the time being the League would delay acting on the circulation to Council members of “military information” from Manchuria and its subsequent press release. This change in procedure is due to tactical reasons, for it is felt that (a) at this time the constant issuance of such information, which carries implications often unfavorable to the Japanese and occasionally to the Chinese, irritates unnecessarily; and (b) it is more expedient also to hold it in reserve, especially from the Chinese and Japanese, for possible use in the future.
I have arranged with the British and French to obtain direct whatever information they may receive here, and through Drummond, [Page 261] whatever he has from other sources. I will transmit this promptly to you as it comes in; and it will be confidential for the time being, as you will note.
(2) Your 99, October 17, 2 p.m., last paragraph.
Your views expressed in No. 99, particularly paragraphs 3 and 4, have been made known by me to Briand and Beading (Grandi is in Rome temporarily), and they are giving fullest consideration to what you have to say. Respecting information and opinion, I have arranged with them for liaison which is most satisfactory. They most strongly feel the need of keeping you informed fully and currently of all developments in Geneva and also in respect to their policy as it is shaped day by day. I will transmit this as promptly as possible to you. They are looking to you to express your views concerning proposals as they are formulated and questions as they arise, and they realize the very great need for common action so far as it is obtainable.
(3) To help you visualize the situation here, the activities from day to day are substantially as follows: A general policy is discussed and formulated at private meetings of all Council members except the Chinese and Japanese. Then Briand assumes the chief burden of discussing with the Chinese and Japanese representatives here the elements of a project intended to carry out this policy. Briand is assisted in this by Reading and at times by Grandi. Following his conversations with the two parties involved, Briand reports to the next private Council meeting the results, together with suggested modification of the original project as may have seemed desirable in the interval, either to be able as far as possible to meet the views of the Chinese and Japanese or because of a shift in the situation. This procedure goes on until a point is reached which permits the project to be brought up in a public Council meeting with some hope of having it accepted by China and Japan, or when it may appear desirable to hold a public Council meeting for the purpose of acquainting public opinion with what is transpiring.
Today Reading stated to me that a perfect solution could scarcely be looked for in view of the Japanese position and of the whole situation; compromises undoubtedly would be necessary, but everything possible was being done.
(4) This morning Reading told me that in private conversations the Japanese are attempting to create the impression in Geneva that you appreciate the Manchurian situation better than does Geneva and that for this reason you do not particularly stress the evacuation of Japanese troops. In reporting this, I am endeavoring to convey Reading’s meaning as closely as possible.
- Neither printed.↩