793.94/3339
Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Hornbeck)
The new Chinese Minister, Dr. W. W. Yen, called to present his credentials.3
The Secretary of State greeted Dr. Yen with expression of his pleasure in renewing acquaintance begun in China. Dr. Yen expressed himself reciprocally.
Dr. Yen said that when he was appointed Minister to the United States it had been expected that he would arrive some time next spring. In view, however, of the critical situation which had arisen in Manchuria, his Government had desired that he come on at the earliest possible moment. So now he was here. He then spoke at some length with regard to events in Manchuria and referred to indications of Japanese policy, treaty obligations and the well-known traditional policy of the United States.
The Secretary of State said that the problems presented were very difficult, that we had been working very hard upon them, and that we had them very much upon our minds.
Dr. Yen said that he wished to be helpful in any possible relationship. He said that he had telegrams from Nanking expressing great [Page 705] apprehension with regard to the situation at Chinchow against which the Japanese were apparently preparing an attack. He said that our Minister to China had been informed.
The Secretary said that he was glad that Dr. Yen was here.
- Dr. W. W. Yen was accompanied by Dr. Hawkling Yen, Chinese Counselor of Legation.↩