893.114 N 16 Manchuria/25: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Geneva (Gilbert)
50. Your 115, May 10, 3 p.m. For Fuller. You are authorized, in case there is presented at the meeting of the Opium Advisory Committee the question of recognizing Manchukuo opium import certificates, to take a position contra. The Department desires that you base this position primarily and in so far as practicable upon the narcotics aspects of the situation, but you are authorized, in last analysis, to point out that recognition of Manchukuo certificates would be directly contrary to the commitments made by the Assembly of the League of Nations in the report adopted on February 24 and to the position taken by the American Government in regard to the principle of non-recognition. You should, if practicable, make your comments as on your own responsibility and as not under instruction from the Department and you should endeavor, while taking a firm stand, to avoid assuming a position of initiative or leadership.
Inform Wilson.