793.94/8338: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
328. Suma said to American press correspondent today with reference to killing of a Japanese in Shanghai November 11, 8 p.m. that irrespective of what terroristic organization may have been behind it the Chinese Government would be held responsible for the anti-Japanese feeling throughout the country of which such acts were the result. The Japanese Embassy has not decided on any definite action following the latest murder and will await full report.
Same informant was told by a responsible Chinese official confidentially and not for publication that at the last conference the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs had told the Japanese Ambassador that if the Japanese would abolish East Hopei autonomous regime and would withdraw support from the irregular troops threatening Suiyuan, the Chinese Government would be willing to consider restricted joint operation against Communists. Chinese informant said that this proposal was made only because the Chinese Government was convinced it would not be accepted and that it would be most unfortunate if the offer received publicity because the Russian Government, unfamiliar with the background, might misunderstand it and take offense.
Sent to the Department, Peiping.
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