701.4193/57

The Department of State to the British Embassy

Aide-Mémoire

Having taken note of the statement contained in the British Embassy’s aide-mémoire of May 14, 1935, that, in view of the decision of the Japanese Government to raise the status of the Japanese Legation in China and of the fact that the Governments of the Soviet Union and of Italy already maintain embassies in China, the British Government does not feel able further to delay similar action, the Secretary of State informs the British Government that the President has approved the taking of steps directed toward raising the American Legation in China to the status of embassy. It is expected that the Department will make an announcement of the Administration’s intent in this regard within a few days and it is requested that, pending such announcement, this information be treated as confidential.