Office of the Historian

893.102S/1941: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Gauss) to the Secretary of State

Shanghai, November 15, 1939—4 p.m.
[Received November 15—10:55 a.m.]

1005. Reference Department’s number 489 [449], November 11, 7 p.m., regarding defense plan. At the meeting of staff officers yesterday the American and British officers took the view that as there is disagreement with Japanese proposals and matters of policy are involved there is nothing more for staff officers to discuss. American staff officers also advanced opinion suggested in paragraph 3 of your telegram number 499 [449].

2.
Japanese presiding staff officer urged discussion, without result. He was inclined to insist that staff officers should submit report to Defense Committee indicating points of agreement or disagreement. Meeting adjourned with the understanding that staff officers would report to respective superiors.
3.
It was stated at the meeting that the Italians approved the Japanese proposals.
4.
While attempt may be made to have further discussions I am of the opinion that proposed revision of defense plan has been indefinitely postponed.

Repeated to Chungking, Peiping and Tokyo.

Gauss