793.94/4667: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 10—8:50 a.m.]
112. The Secretary General circulated the following from the Japanese delegation which is described as the substance of a telegram dated Tokyo March 8th received from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs: [Page 547]
“The Japanese Government having accepted the report of the League Assembly March 4, the General Staff sent instructions once again to the commander in chief of the expeditionary forces in Shanghai to observe strictly the proclamation of March 3 for the cessation of hostilities. At the same time the Japanese Government charged the Japanese Minister at Shanghai to the effect that, in conformity with the above-mentioned resolution of the League, he should do his best to expedite negotiations for the consolidation of the cessation of hostilities with the Chinese with the assistance of the representatives of the powers interested. So far as the Japanese Government are concerned they are ready to effect at any time the withdrawal of the Japanese forces from the position they are now occupying as soon as the satisfactory arrangements for that purpose are arrived at through these negotiations. Notwithstanding that, the Chinese are putting off the opening of the negotiations for the consolidation of the cessation of hostilities and are engaged in pernicious propaganda against Japan. It goes without saying that it is impossible for the Japanese forces now facing directly the Chinese Army to withdraw without the necessary arrangement. Even from the point of view of safety of these forces it will be patent for everybody that before their withdrawal arrangements for the stoppage of the advance and offensive action on the part of the Chinese forces as well as for the maintenance of order and security in the zones evacuated by the Japanese forces should be made.”