893.102S/2475: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 24—9:10 a.m.]
151. Department’s 84, April 21, 7 p.m.; and 86, April 23, 5 p.m. The Chinese Government feels that it has gone as far as it could in assenting to the change in the apportionment of the council seats and that it has been asked to consent to appeasement of Japanese at Shanghai by what British have done. They continue to trust us but if I ask them to accept puppet councilors I am sure that they will not only refuse but that they will accept this as evidence that we also are prepared to compromise with the Japanese against their interests. Feeling here is very bitter over the whole business. My 145, April 20, [9] a.m. gives the statement on the whole subject which Foreign Minister has made. I am certain that I cannot obtain retraction thereof. Cannot Lockhart approve resolution adopted April 17 without specifying names or qualities of Chinese councilors?
Sent to Department, repeated to Shanghai, Peiping.