793.94/1831: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 22—9:52 p.m.]
156. Reference Consulate’s 126 and 127, September 22, 9 p.m. After the Council’s small committee meeting, I was asked by Drummond to call, and he stated that the committee had authorized him to inform me that it was contemplating sending to Manchuria an investigating body made up of military and/or civilian members as observers. The Chinese representative has given his consent, while the Japanese representative has made objections; however, he will press his Government for instructions. Drummond says the investigation will in any case be undertaken, if necessary under the authorization of China alone, the sovereign in Manchuria.
The small committee also discussed some action through identic or similar notes, though this was felt to be perhaps premature, because of the imperfect knowledge of the facts and of the uncertainty regarding cooperation by the United States.
It is earnestly desired by Drummond that you give me any expression of opinion you can and as urgently as possible by cable or telephone as to whether, if invited, the United States can consider cooperating in the action contemplated in either of the paragraphs above.
The Council is impressed profoundly with the urgency and the seriousness of the situation. Never have I seen here a situation so tense or in which American cooperation is desired so earnestly.