793.94/5095: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received April 23—11:35 a.m.]
88. For Hornbeck from Klots. Your 54, April 22, 5 p.m.92
No reason at all. Thought text of Shanghai’s April 19, 3 p.m., had already been sent. Text is as follows:
“April 19, 3 p.m. For the Secretary. Your April 18, 11 p.m.93 At a meeting this noon of the representatives of the four interested powers it was agreed to send the following identic replies to the inquiries received from our respective Governments.
‘We consider that there is no objection to provision that Joint Commission should follow progress of local conditions in the Shanghai area and that its neutral members should send reports thereon from time to time to Geneva or if either side prefers to our respective Governments. Provision has already been agreed to (see last paragraph of annex 4 of draft agreement) that “Commission will in accordance with its instructions watch in such manner as it deems best carrying out of articles 1, 2 and 3 of agreement”. We feel that Commission and its neutral members should not be asked to assume greater responsibility than the above. Such reports should supply sufficient indication of the views of the neutral members of the Joint Commission as to local conditions. Point might be met by addition to proposed resolution of words to the effect that the Committee of Nineteen recommends that the Joint Commission to be established under the agreement should follow the progress of local conditions and that its members, representing the participating friendly powers, should accordingly send reports from time to time to Geneva or to their respective Governments.’
The above is our report [reply?] to specific questions raised in your inquiry but seen from this end it will be wiser if not too late to adhere to our original proposal (see last paragraph of identic telegram of April 13).
Your April 18, 11 a.m. [p.m.?], and this reply are being repeated to Mr. Johnson in Nanking.
Sir Miles stated that Shigemitsu intimated to him the Japanese would prefer it if any reports which the neutral members may have occasion to make were addressed to their respective Governments rather than to the League.
Department has not been informed. For the Minister, Engert.”