793.94/8920
The British Embassy to the Department of State44
The British Government is gravely preoccupied by the developments in the Far East and have been considering whether it would not be possible to make one more effort to avert hostilities which may have far-reaching consequences. In the circumstances they would be willing to make a joint approach with the United States Government to the Japanese and Chinese Governments asking them to agree:
- a)
- To issue instructions that all further movement of troops be suspended;
- b)
- To agree that the United States Government and His Majesty’s Government should put forward proposals in an attempt to end the present deadlock.
Would Mr. Hull agree to such a course of action and would he join with his Majesty’s Government in taking it? It is fully appreciated that the chances of success may be slender, but in view of the serious [Page 227] consequences to the prosperity of the Far East and to peace in those regions which must result from a clash between the armed forces of Japan and China, His Majesty’s Government consider that the attempt should be made.
Obviously if the approach is to be made it should be done with the least possible delay.
- Handed by the British Ambassador to the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs on July 20.↩