793.94/6880: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:35 p.m.]
84. Reference Legation’s telegram 60, February 3, 3 p.m. and paragraph 6 of telegram 66, February 7, 2 p.m. According to [Page 61] Chinese News Agency Wang Ching-wei spoke February 20, on Sino-Japanese relations before Central Political Council. Referring to speech of January 21 of Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang stated that China chooses, under the principles of equality and mutual assistance, to maintain and promote friendly and peaceful relations with any country, “not to mention a neighbor like Japan whose geographical, historical, cultural, and racial relationship with this country is so closely bound.” Wang recalled with emphasis that Sun Yat-sen had said at Kobe in 1924 that Japan and China should work hand in hand. Wang said that this was the basis of Sun’s Sino-Japanese policy throughout his life. Wang recalled the sympathy of Japanese for China down to the revolution, mentioned the unfortunate complications which have developed during the past 20 years, and stated that he believes these complications can be solved by mutual sincerity. Again referring to Hirota’s speech, Wang said that “now that China and Japan have expressed their common desires, it is a matter of great rejoicing for us that by dint of mutual efforts Sino-Japanese relations will henceforth have an opportunity to improve as well as to be restored into regular channels.” He further expressed the wish to solve all complications sincerely and pacifically so that all mutual suspicions and all speeches and actions, repulsive and detrimental, might gradually be eradicated and so that the hope of close friendship as emulated by Sun Yat-sen might be realized.
This speech appears to be yet another cautious move in the regimentation of public opinion toward acceptance of Sino-Japanese “cooperation”. With regard to Chinese feeling not much outspoken expression in the press can be anticipated because of government control. Comment which has appeared so far has been critical of and unsympathetic toward Japan. The intelligent Chinese of Peiping show acquiescence in or resignation to the inevitableness of Japanese domination over China for the next generation or two. It is believed that recent developments have caused apprehension among western educated Chinese with reference to their future influence and position in the Government and their participation in the development of China. The Legation will continue to watch Chinese reaction.
Sino-Japanese conversations apparently are continuing at Shanghai and Nanking, the latest Japanese participant being the well-known Major General Doihara who already conferred with Wang Ching-wei.