741.94/97a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Bingham)
177. 1. There have appeared in the press recently stories, dated London and Shanghai, alleging that discussions are being carried on in London between representatives of the British and the Japanese Governments involving possibly consideration of a plan for an understanding between Great Britain and Japan “to divide China into spheres of economic influence.” The Shanghai stories allege that Chiang Kai-shek has talked with the British Ambassador and given warning against action which might adversely affect China without China’s being consulted.
2. The Chinese Ambassador here has approached the Department informally stating that he is instructed from Nanking to inquire whether the American Government could see its way clear to approach the British Government with a request that in regard to any Anglo-Japanese discussions which may be in progress concerning the Far East the American and the Chinese Governments be kept adequately informed. The Department has replied3 that it has no reason to believe that any projects which would be injurious to China’s interests or in impairment of China’s rights are being given any serious consideration in conversations such as those under reference; and we have [Page 96] stated that it seems to us that it would not be the part of wisdom for this Government to intrude by making at this time an express request that information be given us with regard to something which we do not believe to be under discussion.
3. The Department recalls the statements made to Atherton4 by Cadogan5 (see Embassy’s despatch No. 2936 of March 166) to the effect that the British Government would not be prepared to set up any series of Far Eastern agreements which would tend to exclude China from them, nor would England become a party to an agreement for the dissection of China; that it was not the idea of the British Government to confine its policy to southern China; and that no policy would emanate from Great Britain without consultation. The Department refers also to statements made by Cadogan to Mr. Norman Davis on April 227 to the effect that the British would not consider any agreement that was not entirely acceptable to China and that the American Government would be kept fully informed of any developments in connection with the conversations which the Japanese Ambassador at London was having with the British Government.
4. In the light of the above, and toward ensuring against any inadvertence or misapprehension on our part, the Department desires that unless you perceive objection (in which event please cable Department a statement of your reasons) you seek an early opportunity to approach Cadogan or some other appropriate high official of the British Foreign Office and make oral inquiry, referring appropriately to the matters mentioned in paragraphs above, whether any developments which would be of interest to the United States have occurred in British-Japanese conversations at London since Cadogan’s conversations with Atherton and with Norman Davis. You should endeavor tactfully to elicit comments in regard to the press reports and any bearing that they may have on the subjects indicated.
5. Please cable the Department promptly a report of your approach to the Foreign Office.