793.94/5573: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)
338. Your 1148, September 28, 10 a.m. [p.m.]
1. Department deduces from this telegram that you, your French colleague and the British Chargé feel that it would not be practicable for the powers to plan to propose, if and when hostilities become imminent, neutralization of Peiping and environs, your collective view being that the Japanese Government would not assent.
Department desires your reasoning in relation to the conclusion that “the Japanese would be loath to enter into a discussion of an arrangement for neutralization of Peiping etc.”.
2. Department also deduces that you feel that the only possible measure worth considering is that of approaching both Chinese and Japanese Governments, if and when hostilities become imminent, emphasizing the rights and interests of the diplomatic quarter.
In that connection, Department inquires what is the implied antecedent of “we” in the concluding paragraph (D) of your telegram under reference.
3. Reverting to the Department’s view that the idea of proposing neutralization of the Peiping area has merit, Department desires: (a) your estimate with regard to the probable reaction of the Chinese authorities to such a proposal, if made; (b) that, upon the arrival of Neville, who will visit Peiping shortly, you get his estimate of the probable Japanese reaction; and (c) that as soon as you have both estimates you report to the Department.
In this connection, Department would point out that there are various factors other than that of military advantage or disadvantage which would need to be taken into consideration both by the Chinese and by the Japanese in the process of their deciding whether to accept or to reject such a proposal if made. Department desires that in making your estimate you give such factors comprehensive consideration.