793.94/6590: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 21—9:35 a.m.]
187. Thursday’s and Friday’s press carries headlines regarding statement of Japanese Foreign Office spokesman on Chinese [situation], authentic version of which, however, has only been thoroughly digested today and all papers continue this as front page story, together with the attempted modification issued yesterday by Tokyo. In general press here interprets Japan’s move as a “Monroe Doctrine for the East” proposed by Japan at a moment of general confusion in [Page 122] the western world. The attempted explanations and disclaimers which have followed the first statement have, in the view of the press, merely underlined and clarified the essentials.
In the Houses of Parliament on the 19th Simon stated that he must await further information before any official statement could be made and official spokesmen are maintaining this attitude, although Foreign Office Press Section pointed out to correspondents British treaties, particularly the Nine-Power Agreement and the earlier Four-Power Consortium Agreement of 1920.37 It is expected an official statement will be made in the House of Commons early next week in reply to questions.
The press and public opinion obviously infer this Japanese statement will, apart from China itself, be regarded very seriously by the British and Soviet Governments but more especially by the United States Government since it threatens the traditional American policy of the “open door”. Press assumes United States will take the initiative in consulting with other powers. There is a general sentiment expressed both in the press and in conversation for close Anglo-American cooperation. Lord Cecil38 states in a press interview he regards this Japanese action as-an inevitable consequence of the failure of the League of Nations to stop Japan from seizing Manchuria.
Foreign Office has stated no conversations have taken place as yet between the British Ambassador and American Government on this subject.
- For text of the Consortium Agreement signed October 15, 1920, see Foreign Relations, 1920, vol. i, p. 576.↩
- Viscount Cecil of Chelwood.↩