Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, Japan, 1931–1941, Volume I

Communication Made by the President of the Council of the League of Nations at the Meeting of February 29, 1932, Setting Forth Certain Proposals for the Restoration of Peaceful Conditions in the Shanghai Area³⁰

February 29, 1932

1. The imminence of hostilities on the largest scale in the Shanghai region between Chinese and Japanese forces, with the inevitable consequence of heavy loss of life and further embitterment of feeling, makes it at this critical moment the duty of all of us to lose no opportunity of seeking means by which this deplorable armed conflict between two Members of the League may be suspended and a way of peace may be found and followed. The news that we have received from the British representative that conversations actually took place yesterday at Shanghai with a view to making arrangements for a cessation of hostilities and that the proposed arrangements have been referred to the respective Governments is welcomed by us all, and the Council of the League is ready to make its contribution towards the consolidation of peaceful conditions in the way and at the time which is most useful.

2. The President has therefore called together his colleagues on the Council for the purpose of laying before them a proposal which might serve to this end. For its effective execution, this proposal will require, not only the acceptance of the Governments of China and Japan, but the co-operation on the spot of the other principal Powers who have special interests in the Shanghai Settlements, and whose representatives are therefore readily available to make the local contribution of their friendly aid, which is no less necessary than the positive and sincere agreement of the Chinese and Japanese authorities to the plan proposed.

3. This plan is as follows:

(1) A Conference to be immediately set up in Shanghai composed of representatives of the Governments of China and Japan, together with representatives of the other Powers above referred to, for the purpose of bringing about a final conclusion of fighting and the restoration of peaceful conditions in the Shanghai area.

(2) The Conference would be undertaken on the basis (a) that Japan has no political or territorial designs and no intention of establishing a Japanese settlement in Shanghai or of otherwise advancing the exclusive interests of the Japanese, and (b) that China enters the Conference on the basis that the safety and integrity of the International and French Settlements must be preserved under arrangements which will secure these areas and their residents from danger.

(3) The meeting of this Conference is, of course, subject to the making of local arrangements for a cessation of hostilities. The Council trusts that this will very speedily be brought about. It is proposed that the military, naval and civilian authorities of the other principal Powers represented in Shanghai will render all possible assistance in consolidating the arrangements.

4. To this proposal, which is aimed at the immediate re-establishment of peace in the Shanghai area, without prejudice to, or qualification of, any position previously taken up by the League of Nations or any Power in relation to Sino-Japanese affairs, the President desires, in the name of himself and of his colleagues, to invite the adherence and co-operation both of China and Japan and of the other Powers referred to, whose local position enables them to make a special contribution to the common purpose of stopping armed conflict and restoring peace.

30. Reprinted from League of Nations, Official Journal, March, 1932, p. 917.