File No. 861.77/307
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)2
6705. The Japanese Government has proposed joint military occupation in Siberia between Japan and China and of the Trans-Siberian [Page 58] Railroad. The Chinese Government speaking through the Chinese Minister here has asked this Government for ad-vice in the matter and as to what position the Chinese Government should assume in the premises. This morning in response to the question I told the Chinese Minister it would seem the wisest course, in case Japan deemed military occupation a necessity, for the Chinese Government to take over and guard that part of the Trans-Siberian Railroad system which passes through Manchuria; that it seemed wise at present to go no further than a statement as to the Manchurian portion because conditions do not now necessitate a further statement.
- Id. (No. 3242).↩