Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1935, The Far East, Volume III

893.515/756: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, September 25, 1935—midnight.
[Received September 25—8:32 p.m.]

12. My 11, September 24, 5 p.m.

1. Sir Frederick Leith-Ross accompanied by British Ambassador called on me last evening. He stated that he found Chinese evidently thought he was prepared to make a loan and that in public interviews thus far given his endeavor had been to disabuse them of this idea. He stated that he expected to remain in China investigating the situation until some practical formula or plan were evolved or until he had assured himself that nothing could be accomplished in which latter case he would leave with nothing done. I assured Sir Frederick that I would be glad to be of any assistance possible and that I would be glad to communicate any plans that might be evolved as I felt sure that the American Government would be prepared to give careful and sympathetic consideration to any proposal that might be evolved. Sir Frederick stated that of course any plan which might be evolved would have to receive international support before the British Government would be interested.

2. Leith-Ross was entertained at dinner last evening by Wang Ching-wei and proceeded to Shanghai last night accompanied by the British Ambassador.

Johnson