Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1931, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/2603: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Nanking (Peck)

Washington, November 12, 1931—11 a.m.

109. For the Minister: Your November 11, 10 a.m., from Shanghai.

1. Department’s telegram No. 411, November 9, 4 p.m., to Peiping, directed that Legation ask Lockhart to collaborate with Colonel Taylor in investigating and to report by telegraph their conclusions with regard to occurrences at Tientsin; also that Legation inform Lockhart that if Consular Body at Tientsin deems it advisable to make a united, impartial investigation, he is authorized to participate, but that he should not take the initiative toward organizing such an investigation.

2. In view of the above, Department perceives no special need to send Military Attaché to Tientsin. Has Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs similarly addressed representatives of other Governments? If so, report their attitude and nature of their replies. Do you consider advisable any amendment of Department’s instruction as outlined in paragraph 1 above?

3. You may at your discretion reply to telegram from Acting Minister stating that, prior to receipt of his telegram, the American Government had already made arrangements to obtain from its representatives at Tientsin a report on the occurrences there.

Stimson