793.94 Commission/549: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10 a.m.]
336. The following is a summary of the Council’s proceedings yesterday afternoon:
1. After an interchange between the two parties concerning points previously raised, the Chinese representative, accusing the Japanese of diverting attention to side issues, set forth the Chinese position in regard to the following points which he designated as the main issues:
- (a)
- Was Japanese action on September 18, 1931, an act of self-defense?
- (b)
- Is the so-called Manchukuo the result of a real Chinese independence movement and the expression of the free will of the people of Manchuria?
- (c)
- Has Japan withdrawn her troops as she has repeatedly undertaken to the Council?
- (d)
- Has Japan stopped military operations and refrained from further aggravation?
- (e)
- Could the dispute have been settled by pacific means?
The answers to these questions are obvious inasmuch as to matters of fact they are covered comprehensively in the Lytton report. As to matters of law the Japanese through their acts and their statements to the Council have shown that they have no intention of observing their international engagements and this constitutes a challenge to the League and the world.
2. A confused discussion ensued on the competence of the Commission of Inquiry (Consulate’s 334, November 23, 11 p.m.). The difference of opinion seems to arise from a difference of phraseology rather than of substance. The Japanese are to submit their views in writing after which if necessary the matter will be discussed further.