793.94/6607: Telegram

The Counselor of Legation in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State

30. Department’s 123, April 23, 2 p.m. to the Legation.50

1. In a recent conversation with me the Minister for Foreign Affairs described the Japanese informal statement as violating China’s sovereignty and treaties relating to China. Another responsible Chinese officer summarized Chinese official opinion as follows:

The Japanese statement arrogantly seeks to limit China’s sovereign right to employ services, purchase military materials, and borrow foreign capital. China is surprised that foreign governments have not repudiated Japan’s assumed authority to limit their rights acquired by treaty with China. Informant asserted that China possessed the right of any independent nation to acquire a military establishment and that the Japanese hypothesis that all military equipment is designed for use against Japan is baseless since it is intended as much for establishing and maintaining internal peace as for foreign defense. Informant stated that Chinese official opinion indignantly and completely rejects the authority assumed by Japan in the statement but he added that it would be only reasonable to include Japan in any international group financial assistance granted China if such is contemplated.

2. There is no important unofficial opinion in Nanking and inspired official press is more bitterly critical than the remarks quoted above.

3. An American newspaper correspondent informed me today that [Page 135] Suma, Secretary of the Japanese Legation in Nanking told him that the Japanese statement incorporated many of his recommendations to the Japanese Foreign Office but Suma criticized the method of the announcement saying that he had been actively endeavoring since April 17 to allay the Chinese apprehensions caused by the statement.

Repeated to the Legation.

Peck
  1. See footnote 33, p. 117.