793.94 Shanghai Round Table/35: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 8—11:30 a.m.]
151. Embassy’s 146, June 3, 5 p.m. As the French and Italian Ambassadors have received their instructions, I authorized Neville to join with them and the British Ambassador in calling on Viscount Saito this afternoon, in view of the fact that I have not yet presented my credentials. They held a preliminary meeting at our Embassy and agreed that the Italian Ambassador who is the senior of the group should act as spokesman.
The Italian Ambassador told the Foreign Minister that his Government appreciated the views of the Japanese Government and the celerity with which the Japanese troops had been withdrawn from Shanghai; that in view of the publicity regarding the meeting called by the former Foreign Minister it was felt that the Chinese had already been prejudiced against the suggestions then made and that further meetings in Tokyo at which the Chinese were not present would be unprofitable. At the same time it was desired to keep in close touch with the Japanese Government. Consequently, if the Japanese wished to follow up the suggestions along the line advocated by the previous Foreign Minister, it would be preferable to do so through the Japanese Ambassadors in the capitals of the powers concerned. This statement was concurred in by the French, British and American representatives.
Viscount Saito stated that he was glad to have this expression of views. His own idea was to have a round-table discussion in Shanghai with the Chinese present, the details of which could be discussed if and when the question should arise. It was his intention he said to have a Minister for Foreign Affairs appointed as soon as possible, he hoped within a week, and to turn the matter over to him to handle. He did not wish to tie the new Minister’s hands by commitments and in the meantime he could, he supposed, communicate with the powers in regard to this matter if need should arise.
Viscount Saito was assured that the powers represented at today’s meeting would be glad to take note of the views of the Japanese Government [Page 70] at all times, and that they desired to cooperate. The meeting then adjourned.