793.94/3155: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Shaw) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 10—9:28 p.m.]
874. From Ambassador Dawes: With reference to the Japanese declaration transmitted in my 872, December 10, 6 p.m., Cecil made following reply which had been previously approved by the Twelve this morning as satisfying the juridical situation involved and as removing necessity for any further discussion of subject:
“The Council has heard the declaration of the Chinese and Japanese representatives on paragraph 2. There can be no doubt that the position in Manchuria is difficult and exceptional. It may well be that circumstances may arise there which will cause danger to Japanese lives and property from elements of the population out of control and if an emergency of that kind should arise it might become inevitable that Japanese forces in the neighborhood should take action against bandits and the like. But I welcome the recognition by the Japanese representative of the exceptional character of the situation and that the necessity of such exceptional action will come to an end as soon as normal conditions have been restored. In saying this I do not mean to suggest that the Japanese declaration weakens the obligation set out in paragraph 2 of the resolution to avoid any action which will lead to a recrudescence of fighting between the Chinese and Japanese troops or a further aggravation of the situation.”
- [Dawes]
- Shaw