793.94 Conference/220: Telegram

The Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis) to the Secretary of State

26. Eden, Delbos and I had a long conversation yesterday as to further steps in the Conference.

We assume that the Japanese reply which is expected Friday will be unfavorable.85 In view of the fact that Japan has been emphasizing [Page 178] that one of her objectives in the invasion of China is to protect herself against actual or potential communism we have felt that it would be well for the three of us to make statements in the meeting next Saturday along the lines of the President’s Chicago speech and various statements which have been made by the Secretary. We shall all point out that the question in the last analysis is whether international relations shall be determined by violence or conflicting ideologies or whether they shall be governed by law and treaty obligations. We believe that the small powers will follow suit and that we can thus make an impressive demonstration of solidarity in support of these principles.

We have also tentatively agreed to send one more communication to Japan after the receipt of the reply on Friday. This will be stiffer in tone and will probably be to the effect that China has informed the Conference that while she will agree to conciliation or mediation on the part of a committee of powers designated by the Conference she will not agree to negotiate separately with Japan and that the Conference approves this decision on the part of China since the issues involved do not concern China and Japan alone and can not constructively [be] settled except on a basis in conformity with the Nine Power Treaty.

While Eden and Delbos agreed to send this second communication they did so with some reluctance as they feared it might appear as weakness and as undignified for us to remain here too long in the face of Japanese refusal. They recognized, however, some advantage in making this second move particularly as it would put Japan in a still more untenable position and give us more time, probably a week, in which to wind up this stage of the Conference in an appropriate and an effective manner. I have refrained from committing myself as to the terms under which the Conference might be terminated or adjourned until I shall have received a reply to my telegram No. 24, November 10, 6 p.m.

Davis
  1. For text of Japanese reply on November 12, see The Conference of Brussels, p. 53.