893.102 Tientsin/375: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Japan (Dooman)
Washington, July 21, 1939—8
p.m.
213. Your 345, July 20, 6 p.m.
- 1.
- The Department finds difficulty in concurring in your opinion with regard to point (a) as expressed in paragraph 4 of your telegram [Page 226] under reference. The Department hopes that there can be avoided formulae which if adopted might be interpreted by the Japanese as British assent to and recognition of rights of a far-reaching character which might be asserted, for example, in seeking to extend the Japanese position vis-à-vis the International Settlement at Shanghai and to encroach upon foreign rights in general.
- 2.
- The Department believes that at the present time no useful purpose would be accomplished by action along the lines suggested in your numbered paragraph 5. You are, however, authorized in your discretion in your talks with Japanese officials to emphasize the concern of this Government in the situation along the lines set forth in the Department’s 167 of June 19, 6 p.m.
- 3.
- While it is realized that circumstances in the Far East may not always render it practicable to ensure respect for the principles to which we are committed, this Government has no intention to take any affirmative step which would be inconsistent with those principles or by express assent to waive rights which we enjoy by virtue of treaty or international law. This Government intends to continue its adherence to and support of those principles and its endeavor to keep its legal position clear with respect to those rights.
- 4.
- The Department has just received your 348, July 21, 6 p.m., which appears to obviate the need of instructing you in reference to the question raised in your 345, July 20, 6 p.m. The Department desires, however, that you keep in mind the observations made hereinbefore as indicative of the Department’s general attitude and concern. Without undertaking to express a definite view in regard to the formula set forth in your telegram No. 348, the Department inclines to the view that the question whether that formula is likely to be interpreted by the Japanese in the manner envisaged in the second sentence of paragraph 1 above will depend upon what agreements may be reached in respect of points 2 and 3 of the agenda in regard to problems relating to the maintenance of peace and order and to economic matters.
Hull