Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume IV

793.94 Commission/359: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Geneva (Gilbert)

Washington, September 17, 1932—2 p.m.

123. Your political despatch 331, August 31, page 2, first paragraph.⁶⁷

1. The Secretary and General McCoy have had no correspondence on this subject and General McCoy has made no report to the Department. We have regarded General McCoy, in his capacity as a member of the Commission, as in no way a representative or agent of the American Government. Such meager knowledge as we have of the probable contents of the Commission’s report has been gained fragmentarily from various sources. A news story which appeared in the Baltimore Sun some weeks ago beginning with a statement to the effect that officials here had received a “preliminary report” was a fabrication.

Without taking the initiative, you may discreetly make use of the above in conversations with responsible inquirers.

2. Send London a copy of your despatch under reference and of this telegram.

Stimson

67. Ante, p. 216, paragraph beginning “The speech is considered first …”