893.0146/708
The Department of State to the British Embassy
Aide-Mémoire
Reference is made to the British Embassy’s aide-mémoire of September 19, 1939, wherein it is stated that the British Government has been actively considering in conjunction with the French Government the “friendly advice” offered by the Japanese Government that the British and French Governments should voluntarily withdraw their troops and warships from those regions of China which are under the control of the Japanese forces and wherein there is set forth the position which the British Government inclines toward taking, especially with reference to British armed forces at Tientsin.
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 been set forth in a number of recent communications, both written and oral, from this Government to the British Government. That attitude and position remain unchanged.
Note has been taken of the statement contained in the British Embassy’s aide-mémoire of September 19 that the British Government has given full weight to the various communications from 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 British Government plans to notify this Government in advance of any decision which may be arrived at by the British Government. This Government would likewise expect, as in the past, similarly to notify the British Government of any change in this Government’s position.