Office of the Historian

793.94/2901: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Shaw) to the Secretary of State

Paris, November 25, 1931—8 p.m.
[Received November 25—4:10 p.m.]

803. From Ambassador Dawes: Dr. Sze has just handed me the following statement which he has sent to Drummond for immediate transmission to the Council:

“Positive information of the utmost urgency just received from my Government indicates that notwithstanding Japanese assurances to the contrary the Japanese Army is converging on Chinchow. A serious conflict therefore impends between the Japanese and Chinese forces which China earnestly wishes to avoid and it would seem that it can be prevented only if without any delay the Council interposes some decisive action. My Government accordingly asks the Council at once to take all necessary steps for the establishment of a neutral zone between the present stations of the Chinese and Japanese forces; such zone to be occupied by British, French, Italian and other neutral detachments under Council authority.

In such circumstances China could and would if requested by the Council in the interest of peace withdraw her forces within the Great Wall.

Please bring this communication to the immediate attention of the Council.”

  • [Dawes]
  • Shaw