Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/3657: Telegram

The Consul General at Nanking (Peck) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, January 27, 1932—5 p.m.
[Received January 27—10 a.m.]

16. With reference to my telegram No. 14, January 24, 4 p.m., the following telegram has been sent to the Legation:

January 27, 4 p.m. My January 24, 3 p.m., paragraph 3.

1. I called on Wang Ching-wei, January 27, 9 a.m. He told me that a successor to Sun Fo as President of the Executive Yuan would be elected in a day or two and that it was hoped that Sun Fo would then rejoin the Government in another capacity.

2. Wang said that Japan had violated the Nine-Power Treaty, the Covenant of the League, and the Treaty for the Renunciation of War, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity China, and the treaty rights and the interests of foreign nations in China. He said that China had sought to obtain assistance from each of the international covenants listed above but without practical results He said Eugene Chen in advocating severing of relations with Japan had intended to bring about situation which would compel foreign nations to intervene but he, Wang, thought that severing of relations was entirely inadequate in face of Japan’s actions as described. Wang strongly urged that foreign powers already have ample ground for intervening on behalf of their own interests. He especially urged such intervention in the crisis which has developed at Shanghai. In discussing the recent inquiry made of the Department of State by Eugene Chen in regard to advisability of convoking conference of the Nine Powers, Wang said that since Department believes it would not be opportune to summon a conference, he was anxious to know what suggestion the American Government could make in regard to a solution of the controversy. I replied I had no instructions nor authority to say anything on this point but I believed that if a friendly settlement could be reached through negotiations the American Government would be gratified. Wang said Japan by military activities and by insistence on so-called five principles had made it impossible for China to enter into direct negotiations but China would be willing negotiate if foreign powers would assist in the negotiations or have observers present thereat. He indicated the greatest anxiety to learn whether any such plan could be brought about and he argued earnestly for mediation by the powers on grounds of morality and to protect their just rights. I was careful, of course, to avoid any commitment even by remote implication.

3. I also had a conversation with Chiang Kai-shek. When I asked his opinion on outstanding issues he was extremely reticent and said his recently published statement gives his attitude. He insistently endeavored to ascertain what course the American Government thought China should pursue toward Japan. I replied that, of course, I could not answer that question but would report it to the Department for any reply it might care to give. He seemed to think this would produce no results and asked what my personal opinion was, I returned an evasive reply.

Peck