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

793.94 Shanghai Round Table/25: Telegram

The Ambassador in Great Britain (Mellon) to the Secretary of State

London, May 31, 1932—5 p.m.
[Received May 31—12:25 p.m.]

191. In discussing your 153, May 25, 5 p.m., and 149, May 20, 6 p.m., with the Foreign Secretary last evening for purposes of confirmation he outlined his views and understandings upon which would be based his instructions to the British Embassy at Tokyo.

1. He agrees it was impossible to turn down definitely the Japanese Foreign Secretary’s proposal of May 13.

2. He agrees that no conference should be called without China.

3. Assuming any conference is called he agrees it should not be held in Tokyo.

4. He understands that both United States Chargé d’Affaires and British Ambassador in Tokyo do not recommend the holding at present of a general conference under the Nine-Power Treaty.

5. Since Foreign Secretary’s proposals only deal with Shanghai situation, excluding Chinese participation, Sir John agrees that further conversations had best be carried on by Japanese Ambassadors in the four foreign capitals concerned thereby avoiding Chinese sensibilities and further agrees that representatives at Tokyo shall decide whether they will see the Japanese Foreign Minister jointly together with French and Italian Ambassadors or on the other hand make reply individually.

6. Sir John deems it advisable that he inform French and Italian Ambassadors of the above Anglo-American deliberations.³⁵

I have given copy of text to Simon.

Mellon

35. The Secretary of State explained his views to the French and Italian Ambassadors on May 26; memoranda of conversations not printed.