793.94/3118: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Shaw) to the Secretary of State
858. From Ambassador Dawes. Following is report from Sweetser:
“Sze informed Drafting Committee this morning that he had sent two cables yesterday to Nanking but had not yet had a reply. Cecil then informed him that a public meeting was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. It was planned to present the resolution as it stands with the possible transfer to the declaration of the last paragraph of paragraph 5. Similarly the President’s statement would be made as it stood with the possible addition of this paragraph and also of a new and somewhat narrower text on police action. He told Sze that this text on police action would be submitted [to] him in advance so that he would have time to prepare any comment he might wish to make. He also emphasized that the Committee must get away from the constant redrafting of details to a final settlement of the substance.
Colban urged Sze not to make any declaration which would force the Japanese to withdraw their agreement on the resolution. Sze replied he would do his utmost to avoid controversy but he had instructions and must protect China’s interest. Cecil expressed fullest confidence in Sze whose handling of the case so far had been very conciliatory and skillful.
[Page 646]After Sze’s departure Drummond explained that the Japanese were still undecided whether they preferred to have the clause on police measures in the declaration or to make a statement of their own. Cecil thought the new draft better than the original, for the very important reason that the Council was not obligated by it to express an opinion on the matter but simply stated what the Japanese had declared. Drummond urged that the final text be approved by the Twelve this afternoon and formally adopted by the Council tomorrow in the hope of preventing a catastrophe at Chinchow.
[Paraphrase.] An intimate exchange of views followed as to future action. Madariaga inquired if the Council could not perhaps do something more than merely pass the resolution and adjourn, trusting in good luck. Cecil said the British Ambassador in Japan, after conversing with Baron Shidehara, had dispatched an alarming telegram to the effect that he was unable to escape the conviction of the Japanese having something more serious in mind even than an attack on Chinchow. Drummond also reported the serious impression he had gained from the Japanese delegates and felt the Japanese Government would make a settlement tomorrow if it had the power; unfortunately, however, it did not have this. Colban remarked that in this respect Japan did not appear to be any better than China. Cecil commented that he did not see much choice between them, since there appeared to be no government in China but two governments in Japan.
Again Madariaga inquired whether the Council could adjourn with a clear conscience after merely passing a resolution. Cecil said he was willing to remain until Christmas if he believed this would help, but the decision unfortunately did not seem to be in their hands. Madariaga wondered whether a sort of committee might not be created by the Council with its President and two or three members following the situation and keeping in contact with the two parties. However, the others appeared to feel that this would have little effect upon Japan and in case of an incident might even embarrass the Council. They thought adjournment after the resolution would be better, leaving the appearance of confidence that all would be all right, and then, if such confidence were betrayed, there could be a reconvening under entirely new circumstances. Cecil suggested the usefulness of considering whether a statement might be issued setting out the military position reported by the neutral observers in Manchuria, and this statement might express the opinion that the Japanese were in no danger of an attack from the Chinese and the confidence that the Chinese were in no danger of an attack from the Japanese. After all, the League possessed two weapons only: (a) pressure, which the Governments appeared unready to apply; and (b) world public opinion, which ought to be informed fully. He thought a statement somewhat on the lines of article 15 might be considered by the Council, and it was agreed to attempt drafting something this afternoon with the idea of informing public opinion and not offending the Japanese. Colban inquired as to the United States position at the moment, and Cecil said he hoped the American Government might take some action in regard to Chinchow such as was considered last night by the Twelve, although he did not know if they would or not [End paraphrase.].”
- [Dawes]
- Shaw
- Telegram in three sections.↩