893.6363 Manchuria/18: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Johnson)

180. Your 243, June 12, 3 p.m., and 257, June 19, 3 p.m.

1.
Department is inclined to believe that it would be desirable for the American and British Governments to take concerted action in [Page 711] this matter by making informal representations to the Japanese Government prior to the establishment of the monopoly and is prepared to authorize the American Ambassador at Tokyo to make such representations provided the British Government similarly instructs the British Ambassador at Tokyo.
2.
However, before informing your British colleague of the above, please repeat this telegram to the Ambassador at Tokyo with request that he inform you of his views. If they are in accord with the Department’s views, you may then inform your British colleague; if not, you should inform the Department of the Ambassador’s views and await further instructions.
Hull