793.94/2584a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in France (Howell)
530. The Department learns through roundabout channels that Briand does not have a clear understanding in regard to the memorandum communicated on November 5 by the Ambassador in Japan on behalf of this Government to the Tokyo Foreign Office.
[Page 405]For your use at the French Foreign Office in an informal conversation, with Briand personally if possible:
(1) This communication to Japan I have regarded as essentially a matter between the two Governments, and therefore I have not made available its text. I read it and made extended comment thereon to the French Ambassador,81 who was to have informed Briand. I do not have any reason to believe that he did not report adequately, but I do not desire any lack of clear understanding, whatever the cause, on the part of Briand concerning my position and action. As to the memorandum under reference, my particular objective was to make it clear to the Government of Japan that the American Government’s objective and that of the League Council are identical in seeking the prevention of war and the bringing about of a solution by peaceful means. I indicated in the memorandum my endorsement of the League’s effort and action as expressed in the September 30 and October 24 resolutions, but, while invoking the spirit of the October 24 resolution, I refrained deliberately from mentioning its time limit and avoided thus expressing any view, whether favorable or unfavorable, regarding this particular feature of the second resolution. I emphasized the view that the solution of long-standing issues should not be made a condition precedent to withdrawing Japanese armed forces and that the Japanese Government should not avail itself of the presence of these armed forces as an instrumentality to bring pressure to bear in the negotiations upon China. This I regard as fundamental, and I feel it to be imperative that it be understood that the United States Government stands with the League Council for the same fundamental principles.
It seems to me I have made it very clear to the Government of Japan that my views generally correspond with those of the Council and that the effort which is being made by the Council, and especially by Briand, to prevent war and to produce a peaceful settlement is endorsed by me.
(2) I asked Ambassador Claudel to bring to Briand’s attention my thought, in line with what I understand already to have been in the minds, not only of Briand, but also of both the Chinese and Japanese Governments, that the impasse might be resolved by the two Governments concerned resorting to the method of negotiating directly in the presence of neutral observers, which was done in the case of the Shantung question. I do not desire this thought to be put forth as a suggestion or proposal emanating from this Government; but I believe it would be useful if Briand should attempt to elicit the formulation by the Japanese Government of a proposal along this line.