793.94/4950: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 4—9:50 a.m.]
1. Conference convened at 3 p.m. today and Japanese at once brought up question of Chinese positions in Pootung as indicated in my April 2, 2 p.m. They argue that they cannot withdraw any troops and leave their rear unprotected. Matter was reserved for further consideration by the Japanese.
2. Discussion then turned to the question of Japanese withdrawal, the Japanese offering the following in substitution for Sir Miles’ suggestion for a paragraph in annex 2:
“The Japanese Government take this opportunity to declare that as soon as the local conditions in and around Shanghai so improve as to afford a sense of security to the Japanese nationals as regards the protection of their lives, property and lawful pursuits, the Japanese troops will be further withdrawn to the International Settlement and the extra-Settlement roads in the Hongkew district as before the incident of January 28th, 1932.”
This to be issued as a voluntary statement or declaration by the Japanese.
3. The Chinese said this was unacceptable to them as it did not complete the program for withdrawal by setting a timetable. Quo suggested adding to following effect at the end of Japanese proposal:
- (a)
- “Which they expect to be completed before (blank) or not later than (blank)” or
- (b)
- “They expect to be able to complete final withdrawal within a period of (blank)”
4. After much discussion it was agreed that the Japanese would refer the Chinese suggestion to Tokyo while the Chinese would refer the Japanese proposal to Nanking and that we would meet again.