793.94/9122: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Counselor of Embassy in China (Lockhart) at Peiping
Washington, August 3, 1937—4
p.m.
168. Your 355, August 1, 1 [5?] p.m., and 360, August 2, 7 p.m.
- 1.
- Department feels that the hazards of the situation at Peiping, to all concerned, including the Chinese, should be substantially diminished by the withdrawal of troops to which you refer.
- 2.
- Department suggests for your consideration: Might it not be well in future, in any analogous case where either side may come to you with such request or proposal as the Chinese made in this case for go-between action, to reply that you will lay the matter before your colleagues of other diplomatic missions; this, to the end that, before replying, whether in the negative or in the affirmative, you may have the benefit of the views of your diplomatic colleagues and possibly, if needed, of your Government and theirs, so that, when answer is made, responsibility for the reply and its possible consequences may be distributed among the official agencies of the countries whose nationals and interests would be affected and may not have to be borne by you alone.
Hull