793.94/6206: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Marriner) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:05 p.m.]
184. From Norman Davis. Massigli of the Foreign Office called yesterday to discuss disarmament. Before leaving he told me their news from China is most alarming, that Japan is evidently proceeding deliberately to dismember North China assuming that the other powers will not interfere. He said that he thought the United States, England and France should confer with a view of determining what should be done about it and then to agree to act jointly in whatever course should be agreed upon. He also told me that Paul-Boncour had returned to Paris and had just expressed a desire to see me. I accordingly called on Boncour. After discussing disarmament and informing me he could not leave Paris for Geneva next week, Boncour said he was greatly disturbed over Far Eastern developments and that Japan’s flagrant disregard of treaties created an intolerable situation. He thought it vital that America, England, and France should act together but felt that once they reach a decision as to a common course of action they should then propose it to, and act only through, the Committee of Nineteen [Twenty-one?]. The French obviously feel that if Japan is permitted to tear up treaties as she is now doing the whole machinery for international peace will be so imperiled as to undermine the sanctity of all treaties. I asked him what he would suggest as a wise course of action for dealing with that situation. He said that he did not know but that the first thing that had occurred to him was an embargo. I told him this would most probably lead to war and it should not be undertaken without a full realization of the probable consequences. As regards an embargo solely against the shipment of arms, this might do China more harm than good and would most probably lead to real, serious difficulty with Japan. He said that he did not have anything definite to propose but that France is prepared to collaborate fully with England and the United States in cooperation with the League and to join in any measure or course of action agreed upon. I told him it was a most difficult and serious matter as to which I had no instructions but added that perhaps the President and you might take occasion to discuss it with Messrs. MacDonald3 and Herriot.4 [Davis.]