762.94/191: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 12—2:54 p.m.]
272. Reports from three different sources say that the major purpose of the German-Italo-Japanese pact is aimed at bringing the war [Page 677] to an end, enticing China to join the Hitler-Mussolini entente. From the same sources I learn that three Chinese officials are here, not even known to their Embassy, and they are being asked to help this movement, Hitler to be the arbitrator in the China break-up. The Chinese Ambassador says they are receiving arms and flying machines all the time, carried over Russian railroads. And from the the same confidential sources I learn that Germany and Italy wish American and English properties in China to be seized and used in payment for arms; and when peace is arranged this is to be done. While officials deny everything except the strengthening of the Berlin-Rome axis, so much has been said to me by well informed people that I feel that it is best to cable it to you. Certainly everything possible is being done to defeat the Brussels Conference.
Repeated to Brussels for American delegation.