893.01 Provisional/14

The British Embassy to the Department of State

Aide-Mémoire

Numerous reports have reached His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom that the Japanese intend almost immediately to recognize the autonomous administration just set up in Peking. If they do, it will presumably be necessary for the non-recognizing governments to withdraw all Diplomatic Officers, leaving two or three Consular Officers to maintain contact with the puppet regime. The Embassy guards may have to withdraw from Peking and the question of their position at Tientsin, which would be under the same puppet government, would require immediate consideration.

His Majesty’s Government would be glad to learn as soon as possible what are the intentions of the United States Government as regards both the Diplomatic Staff and the military contingent maintained in North China.