Office of the Historian

793.94/2899: Telegram

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

Paris, November 25, 1931—11 p.m.
[Received 11:14 p.m.]

805. From Ambassador Dawes: Following is communiqué issued by the League tonight. Shortly afterwards I gave out statement contained in my 798, November 25, 2 p.m.

“In the hope of establishing a resolution to be adopted unanimously, including the votes of the two parties, in conformity with article 11 of the Covenant, a draft scheme has been drawn up which deals separately with the withdrawal of the Japanese troops within the railway zone and the appointment of an international commission.

The substance of the scheme, which has been communicated to the two parties, is as follows:

The resolution of September 30th is recalled and reaffirmed. The two parties declare that they are solemnly bound by that resolution. The two Governments are accordingly invited to take all steps necessary to assure its execution so that the withdrawal of the Japanese troops within the railway zone—a point to which the Council attaches the utmost importance—may be effected as speedily as possible.

The two parties undertake:

To give to the commanders of their respective forces the strictest orders to refrain from any initiative which may lead to further fighting and loss of life, and to take all measures necessary to avoid any further aggravation of the situation.

The members of the Council are invited to furnish it with information received from their representative on the spot.

It is proposed to appoint a commission to study on the spot and to report to the Council on any circumstances which, affecting international relations, threatens to disturb peace between China and Japan or the good understanding between them on which peace depends. China and Japan would each be represented by an assessor.

The appointment and deliberations of the commission would not prejudice in any way the engagement taken by the Japanese Government and correlatively the resolution of September 30th regarding the withdrawal of the Japanese troops within the railway zone.”

  • [Dawes]
  • Shaw