793.94 Shanghai Round Table/16: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Mellon)
Washington, May 25, 1932—5
p.m.
153. Your 182, May 23, 6 p.m.
- 1.
- I am gratified that Simon is in accord with our views.
- 2.
- While I still feel that as the Japanese proposal was presented at a joint interview, there are certain advantages in taking the matter up further with the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in another joint interview, I am willing, if Simon feels that course preferable, [Page 42] to follow the procedure of having our diplomatic representatives at Tokyo approach the Minister for Foreign Affairs individually rather than jointly. I suggest, for his consideration, that we might leave it to our representatives at Tokyo to decide whether they will see the Japanese Foreign Minister jointly (perhaps also with the French and Italian Ambassadors) or individually.
- 3.
- As I understand the situation, Simon has already instructed the British Ambassador at Tokyo to keep in close touch with our Embassy there. I shall instruct our Embassy likewise to keep in touch with the British Ambassador. I understand further that Simon contemplates awaiting the formation of the new Japanese cabinet, after which he will direct the British Ambassador at Tokyo to approach the new Foreign Minister along the lines outlined in the Department’s telegram 149, May 20, 6 p.m., paragraph 3, at the same time suggesting that any contemplated conversations which excluded China might be carried on in the various foreign capitals or at Tokyo with the interested heads of mission. It seems to me that, of the two, conversations in the foreign capitals would be the preferable course, as less likely to have unfortunate publicity and to arouse Chinese susceptibilities.
- 4.
- Please see Simon and telegraph whether his views and understanding of the situation coincide with mine, as set forth above. If the reply be in the affirmative, I shall then issue appropriate instructions to our Embassy at Tokyo. I have already informed our Embassy at Tokyo of our general accord in attitude but have directed that no reply be made to the Japanese Foreign Minister pending further instructions.
Stimson