793.94/4507: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson), at Geneva
25. Consulate’s No. 92, February 29, 7 p.m.
1. I have received from Minister Johnson under date Shanghai March 1, 9 p.m., a telegram in which he states [Here follows substance of telegram printed supra.]
2. In this connection please refer to the record of our telephone conversations of February 27, 12:50 p.m. and February 28, 1:40 p.m. and to my telegram No. 24, February 28, 5 p.m. and note my observations with regard to the original third paragraph of proposals. It is apparent that both the American and British Ministers to China felt apprehension similar to that which I expressed that it would be hazardous to link up with proposals the primary object of which is to bring hostilities to an end other proposals which may appear designed to take advantage of the military situation for the furthering of objectives not strictly related to the problem of cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peaceful conditions.
[Page 490]In making note of this at this moment, I take into account the fact that the text of the plan as adopted at Geneva yesterday, as reported in your telegram under reference, differs substantially, by virtue of amendments, from the text or outline which was in Lampson’s hands and was made the basis of Johnson’s and Lampson’s comments.
3. The foregoing is for your confidential background information. Unless and until instructed, take no action on the basis of it. In case Simon approaches you on the subject and discloses that he has received information from Lampson, you are at liberty to let him know that you have been informed of Johnson’s views and that you have been given to understand that Johnson’s and Lampson’s views coincide; otherwise you need not mention that you have this information. In case you find any indication of discrepancies, please report them.