Office of the Historian

793.94/4842: Telegram

The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, March 21, 1932—9 p.m.
[Received March 21—1:10 p.m.]

My March 19, 11 p.m.

1.
Shigemitsu and Quo met at 4 p.m. today in the presence of British Minister, myself and Italian Chargé d’Affaires. French Minister [Page 615] was ill and represented by Secretary of Legation. They agreed to accept in principle draft of March 19th to be used as a base for formal negotiations, military on each side participating, now set for Wednesday, March 23, 10 a.m.
2.
At the meeting today Quo insisted that League resolution of March 4th requires that he and Shigemitsu with the assistance of friendly powers negotiate to regulate withdrawal of Japanese troops and to that end he desired to insert at the beginning of paragraph 2 and before the word “the Japanese troops” the following words “in accordance with the definite program regulating withdrawal as shown in annex (blank) to this agreement”. Shigemitsu objected strenuously to this but finally consented to refer the matter to his military saying his military would insist upon being consulted as to the program.
3.
With reference to text of agreed minute Quo insisted that words “for which they contemplate the employment of foreign officers and instructors” be omitted saying that at this time it would be very difficult for them to make a promise of this kind although he was willing to make the Mayor promise privately and would be glad if we took note thereof. After much discussion I suggested that the word “foreign” be omitted and the words “experts as” to be substituted therefor, it being additionally suggested that we all make the following note for our own and our Governments’ confidential information. “In discussing this phrase Quo intimated that the Chinese Government contemplated employment of foreigners among the experts in question”. Quo accepted this version for reference to his Government and it is hoped that both parties will have received instructions on these two points by Wednesday.
4.
Shigemitsu declared that he had participated in negotiations and had accepted texts as basis for formal negotiations at which his military would have to be present as principals. He argued that this was necessary because matter being discussed was an armistice and should of necessity be settled between the military. It was agreed that on Wednesday, March 23rd, a formal meeting would be held at which the Japanese would be represented by General Uyeda and his chief of staff General Tashiro and Shigemitsu accompanied by two interpreters. The Chinese will be represented by General Tsai Ting-kai accompanied by General Gaston Wang, Mr. Quo Tai-chi and an interpreter. They are to meet in our presence as heretofore.
5.
With reference to your telegram 103, March 17, 1 p.m., and 110, March 19, 2 p.m., I am hopeful that the situation is developing in such a way as to make it unnecessary for us to follow any plan such [Page 616] as that suggested by the Department. The feeling among the Chinese is such that it would not in my opinion be wise for us to take the initiative in suggesting any plan which would call for permanent undertakings on the part of the Chinese in regard to the presence of Chinese soldiers. However, I shall keep plan in mind and watch developments here and should occasion warrant make such use of it as seems to me wise, not however without first informing the Department. Lampson and I hope that it will be possible to maneuver the negotiations into a position where participation by friendly powers will be on the smallest scale possible.
Johnson