893.154/329: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:18 p.m.]
175. British Ambassador is quoted as having given following statement to the press here yesterday:
“Since my return to Chungking rumors have reached me to the effect that His Majesty’s Government were contemplating a change in their policy in the Far East and even the closing of the Burma Road.
We need not look far for the source of these rumors. But I am disturbed by their persistence and I propose to put a stop to them once and for all.
With the full authority of Mr. Eden, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I am able to state that there is no kind of foundation for these rumors.
The policy of His Majesty’s Government of friendship for China, as shown by the reopening of the Burma Road, remains the same and I can assure you that the Burma Road will remain open.”
Sent to Department, repeated to Peiping. Peiping please air mail to Tokyo.