793.94/8216: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Counselor of Embassy in China (Peck)
65. Your 290, October 3, noon. For the Ambassador’s confidential information and guidance.
1. Referring to paragraph 4 of the telegram under reference, first sentence, the second matter touched upon was presented here and an appropriate reply, indicating our genuine interest and concern but containing no commitment, was made. A copy of the memorandum of conversation33 has been sent to the Embassy by pouch.
2. Tokyo’s No. 206, October 6, 3 p.m., to the Department, copy of which was repeated to Peiping, indicates in paragraph 2 that the [Page 344] Japanese Foreign Office desires to avoid disclosing to the Japanese public the fact that any representations, even of an informal character, have been made to the Japanese Government. In the light of this indication and inasmuch as the Department is of the opinion that the approach made by the American Government to the Japanese Government is more likely to have a constructively helpful effect if it is not made known to the Chinese Government, at least at this time, the Department desires that no intimation be given to the Chinese Government at this moment that such an approach has been made. The Department realizes that, this being the case, there may be need for very tactful action toward preventing possible development of a prejudicial effect upon Sino-American relations. With this in mind, the Department offers certain comments and suggestions which may be helpful to you and to Peck in making appropriate oral and confidential response to any questions that may be put by responsible Chinese officials, as follows:
The attitude and position of the American Government with regard to treaty rights and obligations have in no way altered. The American Government has been following, and continues to follow, closely, developments in relations between China and Japan. The American Government is giving attention and consideration to each phase of the situation as it develops, bearing in mind all its phases. Inasmuch as there are involved rights, interests and obligations common to a number of governments, the American Government has made a practice of discussing developments and exchanging information in regard thereto with other interested governments. The American Government has taken in the past and will continue to take such steps as seem to it appropriate and feasible. It wishes to avoid the taking of any action which would be likely to have a harmful rather than a beneficial effect. The American Government intends to attempt to exert its influence quietly and unobtrusively and to avoid giving any countenance to measures or situations contravening any legitimate interests or treaty rights and it desires, in any action that it may take, to be constructively helpful.
3. Referring to the statement in paragraph 4 of Nanking’s telegram under reference, the Department expects that officers of the American Government will make appropriate and tactful replies to any comment calculated to misrepresent the attitude or action of the United States or to place these in an unfavorable light as compared with those of any other countries. It should be realized and admitted by anyone not adversely prejudiced—and it may so be discreetly pointed out—that the American Government has consistently endeavored in relations with the Far East, while serving the interests of the United States to avoid and avert disservice to the interests of China. At the present moment we are in no way forgetful of either [Page 345] of these objectives and we are intent upon both. We desire to be constructively helpful where possible and as appropriate, but we naturally are exercising our own best judgment as to what contribution on our part may be most practicable, opportune and appropriate.