793.94/4025: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson)
8. Your 13, February 6, 11 p.m. For your information and guidance.
The Department appreciates Yen’s desire not to take any steps which might cross wires with the efforts of this Government. At the same time, it is difficult if not impossible for the Department to give to the Chinese or to any other states members of the League advice in reference to their possible courses of action under and in relation to the Covenant.
Department assumes that Yen understands that we, together with governments of other powers most concerned, are devoting our best efforts to the problem of averting further unfortunate developments in the situation and toward suggesting ways and means which may be agreed upon by the parties most concerned by which the phase of violence and hostilities may be brought to an end and constructive effort toward a satisfactory settlement of the issues between China and Japan be begun.
You should explain all this to Yen informally and add expressly that for the moment the acute emergency at Shanghai has the concentrated attention of several governments and that efforts are being made to avert tragedy and further complications there; but the peace proposals of the powers have not been dropped. Say that the advisable course, for the moment, would seem to be for him to be guided by the suggestion made to him by Thomas as reported in your telegram under reference; that we wish to be helpful but we cannot assume the responsibility of suggesting what path he should follow; and that he should make the best use he can of what he learns from those of his colleagues on the Council in whom he has most confidence and of the advice of his own counselors.