893.102 Kulangsu/207: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 19—7 a.m.]
339. 1. During a conversation which I had last week with Yoshizawa, I put forward as my personal view that prospects of disentangling the situation at Kulangsu which is going from bad to worse could be enhanced if the marine detachments of the various nationalities including the Japanese were simultaneously withdrawn; that such action might be the first step toward restoration of normal conditions; and that taking of subsequent steps would be facilitated by removal of one factor adversely affecting the psychological atmosphere. Yoshizawa [Page 137] warmly agreed and said that he would informally sound out the naval authorities. Today he told me that the Navy Department reacted very favorably to the idea, but had pointed out that the naval officer commanding in Amoy had final jurisdiction and that negotiations with regard to withdrawal of marines would have to take place in Amoy. Yoshizawa explained that the Japanese Marines would not be withdrawn before the others as to do so would give the Chinese the impression that the Japanese had withdrawn because of American and British pressure, and that the same consideration prevented proposal by the Japanese for simultaneous withdrawal. Such proposal if made by the British would not be entertained by the Japanese, but he thought it might well be accepted by the Japanese if put forward by MacVitty.
2. In reporting the foregoing I wish to make it clear that the idea of simultaneous withdrawal was evolved during the course of an informal conversation; that it is in complete abeyance and will so remain until the Department desires [to] press [explore] the matter further.
Repeated to Chungking, Peiping, Amoy.