793.94/2437a: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul at Geneva (Gilbert)

124. Referring to that part of paragraph (4) (b) of the resolution voted upon by the Council on October 24 which relates to association with the Chinese authorities of representatives of other powers.

1.
The Chinese Government has asked this Government to name representatives who will be prepared to function in the capacity indicated. We have replied that we feel that any action taken in that connection should be in the first instance by the Council or Governments members of the League and that we prefer to refrain from commitment until we are informed specifically in regard to action taken by League members.
2.
The American Legation, Peiping, now informs us that the British Minister states that he has been authorized by his Foreign Office to advise the Chinese Government that he is holding members of his staff in readiness to proceed to Manchuria on or about November 16 as observers in case their services are required in connection with a Japanese withdrawal, this being in response to a request from the Chinese Government.
3.
Department desires information concerning action taken by British and French and any other Governments members of the League in this connection. Please keep Department promptly informed by telegraph in relation thereto.
Castle