793.94/6280a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham)
189. The Department conceives that, on the occasion of the withdrawal of Japanese forces from the Shanghai area, the issuance of a statement in a congratulatory vein by the members other than Chinese or Japanese of the Joint Commission might have a good psychological [Page 36] and diplomatic effect in relation to the entire Sino-Japanese controversy.
Such a statement, if made, should only be made after the complete evacuation, in accordance with the Agreement of May 5, of the entire area occupied by Japanese troops since January 28. It would need to be so formulated as to avoid any implication or inference of departure from or surrender of the view that the situation as between China and Japan must be considered and ultimately be dealt with in its entirety.
In their efforts in relation to the problems which have developed since last September, the American Government and the League have throughout striven to suggest methods of settlement which would take into equitable account the grievances both of the Chinese and of the Japanese Governments. As further evidence of the view and position that the problems in question should be settled by processes of mediation and conciliation as distinguished from processes based on armed force, it would seem desirable, by way of encouragement, that an express commendation be made of the efforts which the Governments of the disputant countries are now making to follow that policy. At least it is our hope that the steps which are being taken at Shanghai will prove a preface to a successful, comprehensive settlement of the entire Sino-Japanese controversy by similar processes of negotiation and adjustment.
The Department therefore suggests that, when the withdrawal of the Japanese troops becomes an established fact, the members other than Chinese or Japanese of the Joint Commission might congratulate the Japanese and Chinese Governments on this evidence of their desire for peace; and that the said members might, through the Japanese and Chinese members, induce the Japanese and the Chinese Governments to make statements which would be reassuring both to each other and to the world, the former with regard to reluctance on its part to use force and the latter in affirmation of its intention to give adequate protection to foreign nationals and interests.
The Department suggests that you, on opportune occasions, discreetly discuss this with your colleagues on the Joint Commission and inform the Department of your views and theirs.