793.94/2720
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State (Castle) of a Conversation With the Counselor of the French Embassy (Henry), November 11, 1931
M. Henry came in to read me a telegram from M. Briand in answer to the telegram sent him by M. Claudel on the subject of our memorandum delivered by Mr. Forbes to the Japanese.
M. Briand says that his attitude toward the Manchurian matter is very similar to ours. What he was hoping may be avoided are such dramatic instances as would make a solution of the whole matter more difficult. He thinks that the situation at the Nonni River looks better, but that it might in time become more serious. He points out that Nanking has asked that the various powers send observers to the Nonni River region. M. Briand adds that this might greatly irritate the Japanese, but that on the other hand full knowledge is necessary. His feeling would be, as representing his own Government, that it would be better to refuse this request of the Chinese, but on the other hand, if England and the United States feel that it should be done and intend to appoint observers definitely to go to this region, France [Page 423] would do the same by ordering someone from the Legation in Nanking. He feels that we ought all to take the same action.
I told M. Henry that speaking for myself it did not seem to me necessary to send some civilian, as M. Briand had suggested, from the Legation. I pointed out that we all had military attaches in Manchuria who were undoubtedly following the situation closely and that I could see no reason, as this is primarily a military matter, to send in anyone else at the moment. M. Henry said that this accorded he was sure with M. Briand’s wishes in the matter. I told him that if the Secretary should feel differently about it, I would let him know.