793.04/3960: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Nanking (Peck)
21. For the Minister. Your February 4, 5 p.m. In view of Japanese Government’s attitude toward peace proposals and apparent further preparation for hostilities and report now confirmed of despatch of large army contingents to an unknown destination in China, Department does not deem it advisable to make at this time special representations concerning disposal of Japanese naval forces at Nanking to which you refer. However, Department desires to be informed promptly of reaction of British and French Governments, when reported to you by your colleagues, to the suggestion.