793.94/2863: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 24—2:50 p.m.]
In view of alarming reports current as to imminent Japanese action at Chinchow Dr. Wellington Koo, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, has this evening told me and my British and French colleagues that his Government wished to sound our Governments out and if feasible make a formal proposition along following lines:
“In order to avoid any clash China is prepared as a temporary measure pending a general settlement of the Manchuria question, if Japan insists on withdrawal of troops in the Chinchow area to do so up to Shanhaikwan, provided Japan gives guarantees satisfactory to Great Britain, the United States and France, not to go into that zone leaving the Chinese civil administration intact including police.”
In view of critical situation we undertook to commend this to our respective Governments and to ask for a speedy reply.
Repeated to Tokyo for information.