Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1939, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/15058: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)

Washington, June 6, 1939—5 p.m.

201. Your May 29, 4 p.m. With reference to the two questions which the British Ambassador informed you would doubtless be mentioned to you by Chiang Kai-shek, the Department has noted the comments which you made to the British Ambassador. In the event that Chiang Kai-shek should bring up with you either or both of the questions, the Department offers for your guidance and possible use additional comments as follows:

1. With regard to the question of the American Government and people taking economic measures, any action which the American Government might take would have to be consistent with the traditional policies of the United States, the attitude of the American people as a whole and the laws of this country. This Government has frequently taken in relation to the hostilities in the Far East action which was parallel to that taken by other powers but it has consistently pursued an independent course in keeping with its traditional policies. While, as the Chinese Government is well aware, public opinion in the United States deplores Japan’s actions in China and while the American people have made manifest in practical ways their feeling of friendliness and sympathy for the Chinese nation, it is felt that it would be unwise for there to be raised inquiries or proposals which might obscure the fact that responsibility for any action that this country might take rests with this country and which might give rise to conjectures with regard to possible foreign involvement of this country, especially at this time when the Congress is considering a revision of neutrality legislation and other legislative projects-having a bearing upon foreign affairs of the United States. It is felt that the raising of such questions might tend to embarrass this Government in its endeavor to pursue an appropriate course in the light of the broad policies and interests of the United States.

2. With regard to the question of good offices, this Government has already made to both the Chinese and the Japanese Governments what definitely amount to offers of good offices. We have made it clear to both Governments that whenever both considered it desirable we stood ready to exercise our good offices. The Japanese Government has clearly indicated that it is not responsively disposed toward these approaches, first by its diplomatic silence in regard thereto and second by express statements made by various of its high officials to the press and otherwise that it will not be responsive to offers of mediation and will not tolerate interference by other countries. This Government is constrained to believe that these Japanese officials have expressed the considered determination of the Japanese Government. Although this Government has given much study to the question and continues to give the matter constant attention, we have not been able to envisage in the situation as it has developed to date terms of peace which would appear likely to be acceptable to both the Chinese and Japanese Governments, which would be consistent with principles in which we believe, and which would be fair and just to all concerned. A fundamental interest of this Government is that the settlement by which peace is restored shall be on lines consistent with principles of equity and justice in relation to all concerned. In the absence of an indication by Japan of a readiness to accept an offer of good offices and without previous knowledge that Japan’s intentions and desires in regard to peace terms could be harmonized with the general principles above outlined, we would be reluctant to make an approach to the Japanese Government on this matter.

3. In general, the attitude and position of the American Government with regard to the conflict between China and Japan and with regard to the principles which this Government believes should govern relations between and among nations have been made clear in many public statements by high officials of this Government. That attitude and position remain unchanged. The American Government is giving attention and consideration to each phase of the situation as it develops, bearing in mind all its phases. The American Government has consistently endeavored in relations with the Far East, while serving the interests of the United States, to avoid and avert disservice to the interests of China. At the present moment the American Government is in no way forgetful of either of these objectives and is intent upon both. The American Government desires to be constructively helpful where possible and as appropriate, but it naturally exercises its own best judgment as to what contribution on its part may be most practicable, opportune and appropriate.

Please repeat to Tokyo this telegram and your telegram under reference.

Repeated to Chungking and Peiping.

Hull