793.94/14951
The Chinese Embassy to the Department of State
Aide-Mémoire
The Chinese Government, in its sincere desire to be associated with the democratic nations in their imminent struggle against the aggressor nations, has recently proposed to the British and French Governments the following principles of co-operation in the Far East:—
- I.
- China, Great Britain and France, in their military and economic co-operation in the Far East, should, at some suitable time, invite Soviet Russia to participate in the co-operation and notify the United States of America with the request that it undertake parallel action, so that co-ordinated steps may be taken against Japan for the maintenance of their interests in the Far East.
- II.
- The Powers participating in the war against Japan must not negotiate separately and individually an armistice or peace with the enemy.
- III.
- On the military side, China promises to supply to her capacity the fighting forces, the man-power and the natural resources; while the other Powers promise to send as much as possible their naval and air forces to participate in the joint warfare in the Far East. The participating Powers shall each appoint one military representative with full powers to discuss, decide upon and carry out the details of planning and execution.
- IV.
- On the economic side, the participating Powers promise to mutually maintain as far as possible their respective currencies and commerce. They shall each appoint one economic representative with full powers to discuss, decide upon and carry out the details of planning and execution.
The French Government, in promising to give consideration to these proposals, has suggested that any such plan must be discussed with the Government of the United States of America.
The British Government replied on April 12, 1939, to the effect that it did not deem the present situation in the Far East as having developed to such a stage that it could profitably consider these proposals of the Chinese Government; and that the British Government, in dealing with the general political and international situation, would give the matter close attention.
The Ambassador is instructed to communicate these proposed principles of co-operation to the Government of the United States of America for its consideration. It is the earnest hope of the Chinese Government that, should the occasion arise, the American Government would use its great influence in helping to realize such an international co-operation in the Far East.