793.94/4474½
Memorandum of Trans-Atlantic Telephone Conversation21
Mr. Wilson: Hello, Mr. Secretary?
Secretary: Yes, is that you, Hugh?
Mr. Wilson: Yes. Have you got my 4422 and 4523 of this morning?
Secretary: Yes, I have them here.
Mr. Wilson: You have them. The Council of Twelve is now sitting. [Page 476] The public session will meet at six o’clock Geneva time: in two hours. In the President’s proposal a slight alteration has been made to the effect in the first paragraph that the news that we have received from the British representative that conversations actually took place yesterday at Shanghai with a view to making arrangements for a cessation of hostilities and that the proposed arrangements be referred to their respective governments is welcomed by us all and the Council of the League is ready to make its contribution to the work of the consolidation of peaceful conditions in the way and at the time which is most useful.
[Here follows explanation of changes in statement. For final text, see telegram No. 92, February 29, 7 p.m., from the Consul at Geneva, printed on page 479.]
Secretary: Yes. Well, I don’t see that that makes any material change in what you had before, does it?
Mr. Wilson: No, it simply coincides with the new information.
Secretary: Yes, the new information.
Mr. Wilson: Mr. Secretary, Yen tells us that his Government has agreed to the terms of an armistice; that the Japanese have confirmation that negotiations are going on and they feel very hopeful about them.
Secretary: Yes, I see. In other words, China has already agreed and we are waiting for Japan?
Mr. Wilson: That is it. This afternoon the Japanese delegates will accept the proposal and [ad?] referendum.
Secretary: Yes, I see.
Mr. Wilson: The Chinese delegation will recommend its acceptance to its Government. Now that is all I have to tell you, with one exception. My letter to Sir Eric—have you a copy before you?
Secretary: Yes, I have it right here.
Mr. Wilson: Well, now it reads as follows:
“My dear Sir Eric:
In reply to your letter of today’s date in which you inform me of a proposal made by the Council (which the Chinese and Japanese representatives have promised to transmit, immediately to their respective Governments) concerning a conference for the restoration of peace within the Shanghai area and the negotiations now going on towards the immediate cessation of hostilities in that zone, I have the honor to inform you that the Government of the United States is happy to associate itself with this effort towards the re-establishment of peace.” The second paragraph is the same as before. Have you got that?
Secretary: Yes, I get that. Wait a minute. I assume that the [Page 477] reservation about the Manchurian matter is still in the Council’s proposal?
Mr. Wilson: Certainly. That is right intact.
Secretary: Yes, I see, and nothing has occurred to change my wishes about the Assembly’s freedom?,
Mr. Wilson: No, on the contrary, that is stronger than ever. It is the impression that that must be done.
Secretary: All right, that is first rate. Go ahead, I am very glad to hear it.
Mr. Wilson: Yen has sent this telegram over to us, which he received from his Government.
Secretary: A new telegram you are going to read me?
Mr. Wilson: Yes, it says that “the British Admiral Kelly invited Koo and other Chinese and Japanese authorities to a meeting on his flagship. Here he proposed cessation of hostilities and simultaneous withdrawal of troops of both sides to be supervised by neutrals. This is to be followed by the Japanese embarking. We find the proposal reasonable and are inclined to accept, though the Japanese, who are referring it to their Emperor, may reject”. Is that all, Mr. Secretary?
Secretary: That seems to be all right. You can go ahead.
Mr. Wilson: All right. Goodbye.