793.94/4319: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:10 p.m.]
30. Yen requested an immediate meeting of the Council in view of the Japanese ultimatum.
Sweetser reports in regard to a private meeting of the Twelve held this morning that the jurists have reported that Japan’s contention is untenable when they claim that China’s convocation of the Assembly is invalid. The Assembly will, therefore, be called—date not yet fixed—perhaps in 2 weeks in consultation with interested parties. The most important pending question which was referred for study to a group of jurists was whether the Council would be immediately relieved of its jurisdiction of the dispute on its convocation of the Assembly or whether it would continue to exercise its jurisdiction up to the moment of the meeting of the Assembly. The jurists will report to the private meeting this afternoon but it is quite clear that a considerable irritation has been created among the members of the Council particularly the British and French as to China’s request for transfer [Page 395] of jurisdiction. Another private meeting of Twelve will be followed by public session this afternoon.