Office of the Historian

793.94/4600: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Switzerland (Wilson), at Geneva

Washington, March 8, 1932—noon.

35. Your 58, March 7, 2 p.m. I feel that in such conversations with representatives of other states you should proceed guardedly as regards initiative. In particular, you should guard against giving any impression that the American Government is taking sides as between China and Japan. Our position is based on our view of treaty rights and obligations, and we must not become protagonists of the views, interests or activities, as such, of either of the disputants.65

Stimson
  1. The Minister replied in telegram No. 66, March 9, 4 p.m.: “All members of the Delegation have made and will continue to make the idea you lay down our guiding principle.” (793.94/4641)↩