793.94/8215
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
The Chinese Ambassador called and urged that the American Government take action similar to that taken by the British Government at Tokyo in asking the Japanese Government to be moderate and conciliatory toward China. I replied that we are following developments in relations between China and Japan with care and genuine interest; that we very much regret the serious conditions; that we will give every attention and consideration to each phase as it develops; [Page 331] that we are mindful of all phases; that in thus giving attention it will be necessary for us to avoid any step which might do more harm than good.
The Ambassador then inquired as to the attitude of the United States in the event of a clash, to which I replied again that our country is, of course, intensely interested in peace and that we earnestly hope no clash will occur.