793.94/8334: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State

325. My 322, November 7, 1 p.m.

1.
Responsible official of the Foreign Office informs me that the seventh conference will take place between the Japanese Ambassador and the Minister for Foreign Affairs today but that there is little [Page 374] hope of an agreement because the attitude of the two Governments has not changed since the sixth interview October 26th.
2.
Suma is reported as stating to an American press representative that the Japanese Government has not receded from any of its proposals to the Chinese Government and that no importance should be attached to current reports of Chinese preparedness to resist Japan by force. This professedly optimistic attitude may be contrasted with a statement made by another Foreign Office official to the same press representative that the Japanese Government now realizes the strength of the determination of the Chinese Government to resist Japanese encroachments and that the position of the Japanese Ambassador is “pathetic” in view of the failure of his efforts. A third informant in the Foreign Office has told an American Embassy official that the Japanese are obviously more moderate and seem to be seeking a face-saving retreat.
3.
Sent to Peiping.
Peck