124.93/326
Memorandum by President Roosevelt to the Secretary of State
In regard to this problem of the Embassy in Peiping, I think you might confidentially discuss the subject with the Chinese Ambassador here and get his thought and perhaps that of his Government. I still think that the advantages of moving the Embassy to Nanking outweigh the disadvantages. This does not mean that we should precipitately make the move but at least the Chinese Government would know of our suggestion and if they approve the general thought it would be a definite advantage to our relations.
Your conversation with the Ambassador and his inquiries should, of course, be kept highly confidential.