893.515/755: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, September 24, 1935—5
p.m.
[Received September 24—2:05 p.m.]
[Received September 24—2:05 p.m.]
11. Department’s 286, September 16, 3 p.m.
- 1.
- In the course of a routine social call this afternoon on the Minister of Finance the latter introduced the subject of the arrival of Leith-Ross and inquired whether the American Government intended to send a representative to work with the British representative. Kung recalled that the American Government had taken the initiative in forming the international consortium, the objective of which was, as he understood it, to prevent any one or two nations from acquiring special positions in financial matters in China. In explaining the origin of the project of the visit of Leith-Ross, Kung recalled that the British had suggested that some form of international assistance be extended to’ the Chinese Government and the American Government had intimated that it would be glad to give favorable consideration to a project to help China if Great Britain would take the initiative. The British had then broached the idea of a conference but the Japanese had disapproved the idea. Now the British had their representative on the spot and the Japanese when asked whether they intend to send someone replied that they could send someone in 2 days’ time if this seemed advisable. He stated the French representative was due early in October.
- 2.
- I told Kung that I did not know that the Department had formed any definite intention either for or against the sending of an American representative to work with Leith-Ross but in reply to Kung’s desire that I acquaint the Department with his hope that one should be sent even at this late date, I said I would. Kung thought that Leith-Ross would remain in China 2 or 3 months or longer if desired, leaving Hall Patch permanently with the British Embassy.
- 3.
- Repeated to Peiping. To Tokyo by mail.
Johnson