793.94/4430: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 26—11:45 a.m.]
38. My 35, February 24, 2 p.m. Norman Davis met Matsudaira at dinner last night and latter thanked him for conversation which he and Gibson had with Sato and continued by stating that he had given thought to matter and was of opinion that Japan could not without giving impression of weakness ask the powers to take action for an armistice and peace settlement at Shanghai. Nevertheless he was feeling out with his Government how this might be achieved, his present idea being that it would be better for the interested powers at first opportune moment to make proposal. He seemed disinclined to have the nine powers act but preferred those powers having ministers and armed forces in Shanghai. He thought Japan might perhaps be sounded confidentially in advance before the action so that there would be no further slip-up but pointed out that in view of inflamed opinion in Japan it would be inadvisable at least now to tie the present Shanghai situation up with Manchuria as the problems were different. He intimated that Japan preferred to settle Manchurian question without the intervention of other powers and Davis told him that he personally did not see how this could be done and furthermore that he thought it was in the interest of Japan and peace in the Far East for the other powers to cooperate in settlement of that problem. Matsudaira said that on account of inflamed opinion in Japan it was difficult to know how best to deal with situation and to seek favorable opportunity for acting. Davis said that it was also important to act before public opinion in other countries becomes more inflamed to which Matsudaira agreed.
Matsudaira then said that it was important to act as soon as possible at least in regard to Shanghai. With relation to Manchuria it would be logical to await the findings of the Lytton Commission which might then act as the conciliatory agent in that phase of the problem.
Davis reiterated to Matsudaira that he was speaking in personal capacity as he had no official connection whatever with the matter. Matsudaira said he understood that but wished to talk to him as a [Page 449] friend interested in problem which he could do more freely if unofficial.