893.102 Tientsin/506: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, October 3, 1939—4
p.m.
[Received October 3—9 a.m.]
[Received October 3—9 a.m.]
499. Our 497, September 30, 11 a.m.
- 1.
- The British Ambassador informed me that he has been instructed to ask me whether the American Government views with favor the suggestion that the silver reserves at Tientsin be turned over to the Japanese for flood relief. I replied that I had informed the Department that this suggested method of resolving the silver reserve question had been approved by the British Government, but that I had not sought of the Department any expression of its views thereon. At the specific request of the British Ambassador, I hereby do so.
- 2.
- I was asked to explain that the use of the silver for flood relief would be put forward only if settlement of the silver question by sealing the silver or by some other method which would not place it even temporarily in the hands of the Japanese were unobtainable.
- 3.
- The British Ambassador emphasized the importance of keeping secret the fact that the British are prepared, if necessary, to make the proposal described.
Repeated to Peiping. Peiping please repeat to Chungking, Tientsin and Shanghai.
Dooman