793.94/1852: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:25 p.m.]
131. Consulate’s 125, September 22, 8 p.m. Telegrams referred to in statement of Chinese delegate before the Council yesterday afternoon have now been communicated together with additional messages received this morning. These telegrams declare Japanese are extending [Page 41] operations in Manchuria and give some details regarding casualties and extent of occupation. The situation in Harbin is declared to be tense as Chinese soldiers are concentrating after having evacuated other points in pursuance of Chang Hsueh-liang’s orders to avoid clash with Japanese. The text of a statement issued by Chiang Kai-shek declaring that China has asked League to obtain as a first step the immediate withdrawal of the invaders and to help in finding a peaceful solution of this conflict, was included. He added that the National Army had received strictest orders to avoid clashes with Japanese.
The Chinese Government informs the Council that it is not conducting any direct negotiations with Japan since the case has already been laid before the League.
The telegrams received by Chinese delegates this morning report that relief authorities in China have refused foodstuffs and medicine offered by Japan for flood sufferers.
Does the Department wish the text of the Chinese telegrams referred to and those referred to in Consulate’s 124, September 22, 7 p.m.? They comprise approximately 2,500 words and will be probably followed by others.44
Another Council meeting will be held at 6:45 this evening to consider the situation again.
- The Department requested that texts be transmitted by mail.↩