793.94/8287: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, October 22, 1936—5
p.m.
[Received October 22—11:25 a.m.]
[Received October 22—11:25 a.m.]
311. My 309, October 20, 2 p.m.
- 1.
- Reliable informant in the Government states that the lengthy conversation between the Japanese Ambassador and the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday afternoon was devoted almost exclusively to the Japanese proposal for joint cooperation against Communistic menace and no agreement was reached. Informant said the Japanese Ambassador at the last two interviews had adopted a manner of friendly discussion rather than peremptory demand and had asked only for agreement in principle leaving military experts to decide details later. Nevertheless even the basic proposal included stationing of Japanese troops in Chinese territory and the employment of Japanese advisers in the Chinese military organization which would amount to practical Japanese domination of the Chinese Army. The proposal is not only entirely unacceptable to China for this reason but also because Japan clearly contemplates its utility if war between Japan and Russia should occur. China would earnestly desire to keep aloof from such a conflict as far as possible.
- 2.
- Suma departed for Tokyo last night presumably to report and seek fresh instructions. Informant thought discussions would probably continue but with little hope of agreement and with great uncertainty regarding Japanese activities in China in the meantime.
- 3.
- Sent to the Department, Peiping, Tokyo.
Peck