793.94 Advisory Committee/130: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 1—1:45 p.m.]
3. During my conversation this morning with the Foreign Secretary,39 he mentioned that he had seen the Chinese Ambassador last night and that with reference to the forthcoming meeting of the League Council the Ambassador had asked for his views regarding the Committee of Twenty-three. Mr. Eden told the Chinese Ambassador that he felt there was no real work under present circumstances for the Committee to do and that it would be a mistake for it to be convened without the interested governments having been sounded out beforehand. Mr. Eden suggested in particular to the Chinese Ambassador that he get in touch with his own colleagues at Washington and Paris with a view to ascertaining the views of the United States and French Governments.
Mr. Eden will leave Monday for a holiday in the south of France and possibly may not return to England until after the meeting of the League Council on January 17 which he will attend. It is understood that in his absence the Prime Minister40 will be in direct charge of the Foreign Office.