793.94116/40: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Bucknell) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 13—4 p.m.]
93. I am reliably informed that in a secret session of the Council this morning Koo pressed for mutual assistance to China and also asked that an international commission be sent to the northern front to investigate Chinese charges concerning the use of poison gas. The British are understood to have demurred at the appointment of a commission of inquiry but a committee of the Council has been appointed to draft a resolution referring to the previous resolution on assistance to China and urging both sides to refrain from the use of poison gas. It may also contain some reference to recent Chinese successes. In this connection the Japanese delegation has issued a press statement denying the Chinese charges respecting poison gas and accusing the [Page 505] Chinese of making preparations for its use. It is rumored that the British have agreed to discuss privately in London a Chinese request for commercial credits.