793.94/11866: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 28—1:55 p.m.]
116. Donald has just given me following information regarding Japanese terms communicated to Generalissimo by German Ambassador Saturday evening, December 25. Please treat as strictly confidential. German Ambassador asked to see Generalissimo who was ill and communicated note to Madame Chiang and Kung. He stated that Japanese asked the German Government not to encourage the Chinese to ask for a truce. He said that Berlin had instructed him to present note without comment. Note generally was to the effect that Japan’s attitude toward negotiations had now been changed by military developments, that Japanese Army being successful it was expected that the Chinese would wish to negotiate for peace. Japan was prepared to enter into negotiations if Chinese would send a representative to ask for same to a place to be designated by the Japanese. It was to be understood that there was to be no cessation of hostilities during negotiations. Note expects following four terms to such negotiations,
- (a)
- China shall fully cooperate with Japan and Manchukuo in attacking Comintern activities,
- (b)
- There shall be special regimes and demilitarized zones wherever necessary,
- (c)
- Economic cooperation with Japan and Manchukuo,
- (d)
- Indemnities.
Donald states arrangements are being made to give note publicity shortly. I understand above consideration given also to British.