793.94/4360: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham)
Washington, February 24, 1932—1
p.m.
49. For the Minister. Your February 23, 10 a.m., paragraph 4, and your February 24, 3 p.m.
- 1.
- The Department continues deeply solicitous that the Chinese and Japanese desist from their hostilities at Shanghai. The Department feels that any discussions that may be initiated on the subject of cessation must be carried on directly by the Chinese and the Japanese, but that representatives of foreign powers should be prepared to exercise good offices if and when such are sought in good faith by both parties, and that this might be done without taking part in the discussions as such or in any way favoring the cause of either side. The chief service which could be rendered in such a matter would seem to be, as was the case in the discussions over Shantung at the Washington Conference, in helping the two disputants make their contacts and keep together until they have threshed out their problem themselves.
- 2.
- If, with the foregoing in mind and after further discussion of possibilities with your British colleague, you still feel that you can be of greater use near the seat of the Government than at Shanghai, the Department approves your proposed departure for Nanking on Friday.
- 3.
- From information coming to me from various quarters, I have quite strong impression that you would be more useful in Shanghai, [Page 428] particularly if Lampson will also remain. Will notify you if this situation changes.
- 4.
- Please telegraph action taken.
Stimson