793.94/2527: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:30 p.m.]
287. Sugimura has been doing what he can in conversations in Paris and London with the Japanese, British, and French in order to work out a solution regarding the Japanese “demands” which would be acceptable to Japan.
In substance his project is as follows: Two sets of negotiations should be begun simultaneously between Nanking and Tokyo, the first to comprise questions concerning evacuation and the taking over of territory evacuated, the second to cover questions concerning the “five points”. The first four of these points refer to security and come, therefore, within the scope of the Council resolution of September 30. The fifth point remains, and the Japanese maintain that a part of this concerns security. This part, therefore, can also be considered to be in conformity with the resolution of September 30. Clarification would be needed of Japan’s view in regard to the rest of the fifth point which cannot be taken as referring to “security”. This part of the fifth point would not be treated pending the completion or virtual completion of Japanese evacuation.
Sugimura was informed by Yoshizawa that he would transmit this suggestion to his Government, though he failed to say he would give it his support. Sugimura’s conversations, it should be understood, are being carried on entirely on his own authority. However, I understand both Paris and London are inclined to regard such a solution as offering a possible way out of the current situation.