793.94/2434: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2—11:35 a.m.]
273. Referring to the source cited in my 158, October 7, 9 a.m.,40 the same has recently sent Drummond a communication substantially as follows:
On October 27 the Chinese stated that thoroughly reliable troops would be dispatched from south of the Great Wall to occupy evacuated districts in Manchuria; this would require the moving of a considerable number of troops toward Chinchow, and therefore it was very important to prevent bombardment or other incidents. It was deemed essential that neutral observers should accompany these troops.
Drummond telegraphically replied to this in the following sense: The October 24 resolution of the Council, it should be remembered, is without binding force, as it was not passed unanimously. Only the September 30 resolution is valid. Therefore, the Chinese Government should for the present exercise great prudence and take every measure to avoid the possibility of an armed clash.
- Not printed.↩