793.94/8205: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Peck) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 1—1:10 p.m.]
287. 1. We are reliably informed that the Foreign Office intended yesterday to issue a statement in reply to Arita’s press statement of [Page 323] September 28th but had not yesterday afternoon done so. Ho Ying Chin and director of Asiatic Affairs Department of Foreign Office flew yesterday to Ruling to see Chiang Kai Shek who left Canton September 28th, stopped September 29 at Nanchang, and yesterday flew to Kuling. It seems likely that the officials mentioned have taken the statement to Chiang for his approval.
2. It is generally believed here that (1), Chiang will shortly come to Nanking and will see Kawagoe although it is problematical whether he will discuss issues with the Japanese Ambassador and (2), he went first to Nanchang and Kuling in order to avoid impression that he was hastening to the capital pursuant to Japanese desire that he come down to undertake negotiations.
3. Sent to the Department and Peiping. By mail to Tokyo, Shanghai.