Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1938, The Far East, Volume IV

893.61331/114: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the First Secretary of Embassy in China (Salisbury), at Peiping

Washington, October 8, 1938—3 p.m.

279. Reference last substantive paragraph of your 604, October 5, 3 p.m. If in your opinion the report contained in Tsingtao’s despatch No. 379 [369] of September 19⁸⁸ has sufficient basis in fact to warrant such action, you are authorized to approach the Japanese Embassy in the manner which you suggest pointing out that the development in China of a situation which the organization of the proposed monopoly foreshadows would, in effect, nullify repeated Japanese assurances with regard to the maintenance of the Open Door or equality of opportunity in China.

Repeat to Tokyo for information only.

Welles

88. Not printed.