711.94/2472: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant ) to the Secretary of State 96

5670. For the President from the Former Naval Person.

“Your message about Japan received tonight. Also full accounts from Lord Halifax of discussions and your counter project to Japan on which Foreign Secretary has sent some comments. Of course, it is for you to handle this business and we certainly do not want an additional war. There is only one point that disquiets us. What about Chiang Kai Shek? Is he not having a very thin diet? Our anxiety is about China. If they collapse, our joint dangers would enormously increase. We are sure that the regard of the United States for the Chinese cause will govern your action. We feel that the Japanese are most unsure of themselves.”

Winant
  1. Sent to President Roosevelt on November 26 at 9:05 a.m.