793.94/6676: Telegram (part air)
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
Geneva, May 9, 1934—5
p.m.
[Received May 11—7:10 a.m.]
[Received May 11—7:10 a.m.]
70. In a confidential conversation today Hoo5 informed me as follows:
- (1)
- He had telegraphed for instructions to Nanking submitting suggestions in line with those discussed in my 58, April 26, 4 p.m. paragraph 4.6 Nanking did not reply.
- (2)
- Avenol advised him that the best position for the Chinese in the Technical Assistance Committee would be to ignore the Japanese [Page 173] public declarations and to proceed on the assumption that the assistance to China would continue as planned. Hoo stipulated that in such event the League issue a communiqué revealing the decisions of the Committee should they be to that effect. Hoo believes that this course will be followed.
- (3)
- The Chinese hope is that this may force the Japanese to define their objections to the assistance project more specifically or respecting some elements of the work which would give China the opportunity to raise the moral issue (Consulate’s 66, May 3, 9 a.m. paragraph 3). Hoo admitted, however, that it would probably be difficult to get the Japanese to do this.
- (4)
- The Chinese have in the present situation given up any idea of raising the general Far Eastern question in the Council or having it raised in the consultative committee.
- (5)
- Hoo will represent China in the forthcoming meetings of League bodies.
Gilbert