793.94/7228: Telegram

The Second Secretary of Legation in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State

221. Legation’s unnumbered telegram July 30.63

1.
Kung, who has been named Acting President of Executive Yuan in Wang’s absence, yesterday evening gave me information somewhat similar to, but not identic, with that furnished Ambassador Bullitt by Yen in Moscow on July 26.64 Kung said no new “demands” had recently been presented by Japanese diplomatic representatives; that practically all the talking for Japan was now done by Japanese Military Attachés; that recently these officers had been pointing out to Chinese Government officials that if friendly relations were desired with Japan certain steps must be undertaken including recognition of “Manchukuo”, a military alliance, economic cooperation and subscription to the Pan-Asia doctrine. Kung said that Japan’s aims were set forth in the “Tanaka memorial”65 and that Japan was proceeding to accomplish these aims step by step. He made no mention of any possibility of resistance, but intimated that many problems awaited decision by Chiang Kai-shek and said that Chiang might come to Nanking in the near future.
2.
To the Department and Peiping. To Tokyo and Moscow by mail.
Atcheson
  1. Not found in Department files.
  2. See telegram No. 308, July 26, 10 p.m., from the Ambassador in the Soviet Union, p. 322.
  3. Allegedly presented to the Japanese Emperor in 1927 by the Prime Minister, General Baron Gi-ichi Tanaka.