793.94/2975: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Shaw) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 1—12:40 p.m.]
824. From Ambassador Dawes: I have just had a call from Matsudaira with whom I have discussed one of the few remaining points of difference, namely, the manner in which the League’s declaration and [Page 605] resolution shall cover the question of the protection of Japanese nationals against bandits. I personally appreciate the Council’s desire to avoid making a precedent seemingly inconsistent with international law as it exists by justifying inferentially the occasional chasing of bandits outside the Japanese railway zone, but I also realize, with the recollection in mind of the expedition led by Pershing into Mexico in pursuit of the bandit Villa,31 that the condition in Manchuria is not theoretical but is actual. If the Japanese Government were to announce its agreement in advance to send no detachment to prevent an expected slaughter of Japanese subjects in any particular locality by a Chinese bandit group, probably the Japanese Government would fall.
The Council, in continuing to deal with the situation in Manchuria, rather than to throw overboard the attempt to secure a peaceful settlement prior to this time, has already overlooked expeditions of this nature in its desire to avert a war. The Council has, however, already intimated with reluctance that it will endeavor in the declaration accompanying the resolution to satisfy the Japanese concerning this point by some reference to it. Though some opposition on the Council exists, I believe Briand can achieve this. Matsudaira has agreed with me that if he can accomplish it the present Japanese demand to include the reference to bandits in the resolution itself will be withdrawn and the Japanese will be content with a reference to this matter by Briand in the declaration. Therefore, unless unexpected happenings occur around Chinchow contrary to the Japanese Government’s wishes and orders, daylight appears to be in the offing.
The Chinese announcement which was made public last night, as suggested by me, has pleased Matsudaira. [Dawes.]
- See Foreign Relations, 1916, pp. 483–597, passim.↩