793.94/11414: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 2—1:44 p.m.]
11. My 6, November 29, 2 p.m.69 In private conversation yesterday the Minister, for Foreign Affairs did not deny and by evasiveness admitted the truth of the theory that the German Ambassador has gone to General Chiang bearing Japanese proposals for a cessation of hostilities. Asked whether he thought there was any chance of an agreement, he expressed deep pessimism saying that from what he heard the Japanese terms would be unendurably severe and would include a demand to garrison every important city in China. It now appears that the German Ambassador was accompanied by Hsu Mo, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, and that the vessel transporting him arrived at Nanking this morning at 9 a.m. flying the Swastika flag. The Ambassador immediately disembarked. Conflicting reports are current, one being that the German Ambassador is acting on behalf of the Italian and not the German Government. However that may be, the recent recognition of Manchukuo by the Italian Government and the offer of services of mediation by the German Government indicate a desire on the part of these Governments either in competition or in cooperation to accord early recognition to Japan as the master of the Far East and to share in the spoils of victory. I venture to suggest also that Italy and Germany wish by prompt and “realistic” action to demonstrate that they are more important factors in the Far Eastern world than those nations like Great Britain and the United States which endeavor to support a treaty system based on international promises and not on present actualities. A secretary [Page 747] of the Italian Embassy remarked to me humorously yesterday that the Rome-Berlin Axis did not seem to function in the Orient for although he dined with the German Ambassador a few hours before his departure the latter gave him no hint of his projected mission. If the German Ambassador is acting on behalf of the Italian Government and not his own, this remark was, of course, intentionally misleading. The attitude of officials of Foreign Office toward the Italian recognition of Manchukuo and German friendliness with Japan is one of profound discouragement and disappointment that the nations supporting the treaty system do not take practical measures to save China from internal ruin at the hands of Japan and the world from international chaos. I have endeavored to show that the Nine Power Treaty constituted a renunciation on the part of each signatory and entailed no common responsibility for enforcement.
Repeated to Tokyo. By mail to Peiping.