861.77 Chinese Eastern/120: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Neville) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 26—8:45 a.m.]
79. Minister for Foreign Affairs told me last night that the Soviet Ambassador had informed him that Russia would treat with the Chinese only on the basis of a restoration of the status quo ante so far as the Chinese Eastern Railway is concerned; that the French had been so informed. The Minister then said that both the Russians and Chinese had told him that there was no intention of resorting to arms. He said that he did not regard the situation as serious but that it is annoying; that neither side appears to be willing to talk and that matters are deadlocked.
I asked him if he was in close touch with the French; he replied that Briand and he were acting quite independently but to the same end. He said he could not understand the Russian refusal to discuss things with the French because the Soviet and Chinese Governments [Page 247] have broken off relations and have no means of communication with each other. He did not say that he had made any offer to mediate or to be a channel of communication but he said that both sides talked to him a great deal.
From the Minister’s manner and conversation I had no reason to infer that he felt that Japan had been slighted in any way, as reported in the press.
Copy to Peking.