793.94/9151: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
138. Reference, Department’s 123, July 21, 7 p.m.47 British Foreign Office, following up suggestions made by it through British Ambassador here on July 20 and repeated by it through American Ambassador in London on July 28, now suggests consideration of possible action as follows: that American and British Governments might offer to Japanese and Chinese our good offices, (1) in providing neutral ground where Japanese and Chinese plenipotentiaries might meet to negotiate and (2) in smoothing out difficulties that might arise during the negotiations; that if both sides agreed in principle that the matter should be dealt with by negotiation, it then might be urged that no more Japanese troops should enter Hopei and no more [Page 329] Chinese Central Government troops be sent north, further arrangements regarding troops to be a matter for discussion by the plenipotentiaries; and that if such approach is made it should be made clear that any proposals along these lines are in no sense intervention but simply an offer of good offices. In laying this before Bingham, Vansittart expressed the opinion that before the two Governments come to a decision whether or not it is feasible to make such an offer both Governments should ask their diplomatic representatives in Japan for their opinions regarding probable reception, if made, by the Japanese Government.
Please give Department your comments.
- This telegram reported the exchange with the British Embassy on July 20 and 21. (793.94/8920)↩