793.94/6896: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 6—2:35 p.m.]
107. Referring to my telegram 97, March 1, 5 [6] p.m., résumé published in North China Daily News is believed to have been made by [Page 74] Japanese military to Japanese Foreign Office and dead line of 6 to 9 months as stated in paper was fixed as of June 1st. This opinion was confirmed on March 4th by T. V. Soong in interview with Captain McHugh.58 He stated in same interview that report in North China was substantially correct but that so far as he knew the demand was but orally one [made?].
- 2.
- It is interesting to note that Soong in conversation with McHugh stated that there were three points of view in China towards Japan: (1st) those who are suspicious, the idea of beware of Greeks bearing gifts; (2d) large masses of ignorant and unfortunate people who blame Japan for everything and want nothing to do with her; and (3d) those who realize that although distasteful it is advisable to get along with Japan in order to avoid further aggression. The impression was gained that Soong had recently been won over to a certain extent to the third class and if so his recent conversations with the Generalissimo of [in?] Hankow are probably responsible for his change of attitude.
- 3.
- In reference to alleged proposal of joint loan to China by signatories to Nine-Power Treaty, and published statement that Japan would consider any joint loan to China at this time as attempt at international control, Mr. Soong stated that the idea should be given serious consideration but added that Japanese were very insistent in London last year that they should be included in any international loan to China and opposed for that reason the French consortium proposal and that if Japanese authorities were now opposed to nine-power loan it would indicate a very sudden change of view. He also stated that the fact that British had initiated discussions with the United States at this time was significant that British are beginning to wake up. He expressed the view that Anglo-American cooperation is the only sound solution of the Chinese situation but did not believe this could be effected for 2 or 3 years; that there must first be an attempt at Sino-Japanese cooperation though he believed the Japanese would attempt to dictate and monopolize rather than advise and assist.
- 4.
- Many expressions of gratification have been heard locally regarding press report that Great Britain had approached the United States for the purpose of arranging consortium loan to China. Repeated to the Legation.
- Capt. J. M. McHugh, Intelligence officer, U. S. 4th Marine Regiment at Shanghai.↩