793.94/4208f: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain (Atherton)
62. In pursuance of a project discussed between Sir John Simon and myself in telephone conversation this afternoon, I request that [Page 348] you submit immediately to Sir John the text which follows. State that it is my idea that this declaration should be made very promptly in Tokyo. The American Ambassador will be instructed to make it as soon as he hears that the British Ambassador has been authorized by his Government to make the same or a similar declaration. I have also spoken to the French and Italian Ambassadors in Washington, who are telegraphing their Governments suggesting that their Ambassadors also deliver similar texts at the same time. I should be grateful if Sir John should also urge on them that this be done. It is my idea that, after the memorandum has been delivered in Tokyo, it be given to the press. Please ask Sir John for an immediate reply.
You may state that my latest information, just received, is to the effect that Shanghai is awaiting in fear and trembling the beginning of a major Japanese drive which they expect within the next few days.
[Here follows text of memorandum quoted in telegram No. 56, February 15, 6 p.m., to the Ambassador in Japan, supra.]