893.0146/709
The Department of State to the French Embassy
Aide-Mémoire
Reference is made to the French Embassy’s aide-mémoire of September 20, 1939, wherein it is stated that the French Government has attentively examined, together with the British Government, the “friendly advice” offered by the Japanese Government that the French and British Governments should voluntarily withdraw their troops and war vessels from the regions of China which are under the control of the Japanese forces and wherein there is set forth the position which the French Government inclines toward taking, especially with reference to French armed forces in north China.
The general attitude and position of the Government of the United States in regard to this Government’s armed forces in China and to the situation created by the “friendly advice” offered by the Japanese Government have recently been made known to the French Government. That attitude and position remain unchanged.
Note has been taken of the statement contained in the French Embassy’s aide-mémoire of September 20 that the French Government has not failed to take into consideration the views expressed by this Government.
Having considered carefully the various factors in the existing situation, the Government of the United States has come to the conclusion that the armed forces of this country now maintained in China should remain there and this Government therefore does not expect to withdraw its forces from the points at which they are now stationed.
It is noted that the French Government plans to notify this Government in advance of any decision which may be arrived at by the French Government. This Government would likewise expect, as in the past, similarly to notify the French Government of any change in this Government’s position.