793.94/3800: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 1—11:23 a.m.]
65. 1. There have been persistent rumors here of a declaration of war on the part of China.
2. The Secretary General and Council members have impressed on [Page 170] Yen the extreme disadvantage in which China would be placed should she take such a step particularly in the face of her recent appeal under article 15 of the Covenant (see article 12 of the Covenant, paragraph 1) and the consequent great tactical advantage under the provisions of the Covenant which a declaration of war by China would give Japan.
3. I learn that Yen while asserting that these rumors are entirely unfounded and that China has no intention whatsoever of declaring war has nevertheless telegraphed his Government in the strongest terms pointing out the danger of any such a movement.