Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1935, The Far East, Volume III

893.102S/1354: Telegram

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

Peiping, May 1, 1935—3 p.m.
[Received May 1—8:04 a.m.]

177. Department’s 88, March 22, 8 p.m., regarding Shanghai defense scheme.

1. Cunningham reports that commander Fourth Marines states negotiations are proceeding and that commander believes that the final agreement on the wording of part 2, paragraph 4 will be brought into line with the Department’s desires.

2. With regard to consular consultative representation on the Defense Committee Cunningham expresses the belief that the British Consul General would find difficulty in joining in such a proposal and that if the matter is handled by the Consuls General at Shanghai it will present many difficulties. He expresses the hope that the Department may be able to make arrangements to handle the matter through other channels and “elsewhere than at Shanghai.”

3. The Legation is requesting Cunningham to amplify the views expressed in paragraph 2 above. The Legation will report further when this information has been received.

For the Minister:

Lockhart