793.94/7499: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 9—9:30 a.m.]
131. My 130, December 7, 3 p.m. This morning I introduced Hayden to Acting President of the Executive Yuan, Kung. Kung informed me that the outcome of the autonomy negotiations in the Peiping area would be less harmful than had been anticipated and he attributed this to the effect on the Japanese military leaders of the statement of the British Foreign Minister and of the Secretary of State relating to North China events both of which became known in the Orient on December 7. Kung asked that a special indication of his appreciation be conveyed to the Secretary of State. While the interest manifested by the British and American Governments had this immediate salutary effect, Kung said he does not expect any abandonment by the Japanese military faction of its plans for dominating North China but he thinks that if Great Britain and the United States continue to exhibit interest in treaty observance Japanese activities will of necessity be more restrained in character.
Repeated to Peiping.