793.003/585: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Paraphrase]
My March 27, 11 a.m., paragraph (3).
[Here follows report of conversation of the British Minister in China with the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs based on memorandum printed supra.]
- (9)
- The conversation thus ended. Lampson and I believe it indicates that C. T. Wang will try to obtain new instructions likely to bear fruit quickly.
- (10)
- I said to Lampson that it did not seem necessary for me at this particular time to discuss these questions, that so far as we are concerned the discussions were suspended, not deadlocked, that the Chinese knew we were firm regarding these matters, and that if at this time I began any conversations in Nanking this might lead to a postponement of action along the line of his effort at accomplishment, with which I believed my Government to be in agreement. Therefore, I shall await further developments and shall keep the Department informed.
- (11)
- Lampson is keeping the French and Japanese informed regarding the progress made as to legal guarantees. However, I do not think he has discussed other points so frankly with them as with me. I hope, therefore, that the above will be kept entirely confidential by the Department.
Johnson
- Telegram in two section.↩