793.94 Conference/113: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26—2:14 p.m.]
253. The Chief of the Far Eastern Division of the Foreign Office discussed with me today the Sino-Japanese situation with special [Page 111] reference to Germany’s attitude toward the approaching Nine Power Conference. While he conveyed nothing conclusive the following was brought out:
He said he believed it to be more likely than not that Italy would accept the invitation to participate. Respecting Italy’s current pro-Japanese expressions he commented that these were obviously not motivated by Far Eastern considerations inasmuch as Italy’s interests there were minor and such as she had would incline her to favor China but that she was merely taking an opportunity in the light of the European situation to strike at Great Britain.
He noted that rumors were current that Germany might be asked to participate. I asked him if in such a case Germany would accept. He replied that naturally no answer could be given until the text of such an invitation had been received and examined. He said, however, that there were two points which militated against Germany’s acceptance. In the first place the association of the Conference with the League of Nations rendered acceptance politically more difficult. The circumstances surrounding its origin did not make it clear whether or not the Conference was entirely autonomous and Eden in a recent speech had stressed the League connection. In the second place the Foreign Office had been unable to envisage the agenda or what course the Conference might take. He assumed that this had been discussed between certain interested powers but that Berlin naturally had not been informed and might not be informed even if invited. On the other hand, Germany, in view of her material interests in China, would be normally inclined to discuss the Chinese situation jointly with other powers having like interests. There existed both strong pro-Chinese and pro-Japanese sentiments in Germany, the former based on commercial interests, the latter being largely political; but he “feared” that present day Germany was activated chiefly by political considerations. The immediate position of Berlin was that there was no “enthusiasm” for the Conference.
In the course of the conversation he stated that possible Russian participation would not have any particular bearing on Germany’s acceptance and pointed to German and Russian membership in the London Non-intervention Committee.
The British Chargé d’Affaires tells me that he has the impression that if Italy accepts, Germany will doubtless desire to participate.
Repeated to American Embassy at Brussels for the delegation.