Stanley K. Hornbeck to Henry White

I beg to inform you of developments in connection with the undertaking to secure a declaration with regard to Shantung from the Japanese delegation, as follows: The member of the British delegation who now has charge for Far Eastern matters has informed me that the American Ambassador in London brought the matter to the attention of Lord Curzon, whereupon the Foreign office entered upon a discussion of the matter with the British delegation here. I had a lengthy and satisfactory conversation with the British expert, in the course of which I explained to him the American view of the situation, reasons for considering a declaration on the part of the Japanese highly desirable, the nature of the suggestions which the American delegation had made, and the relation of these suggestions to the assurances which the Japanese delegation had already made in secret. I particularly emphasized the point of view that, if the Japanese make a declaration, their declaration must be specific and comprehensive, -- otherwise it would be better that they say nothing.

M. Louis Aubert, Assistant to M. Tardieu, yesterday informed me that he had instructions to prepare a memorandum for M. Clemenceau with regard to this matter. I had a half hour's conversation with him, in the course of which I explained the American view. Later I was informed from another responsible French sourece that M. Tardieu considers it highly desirable that the Japanese be persuaded to make the desired declaration.

Both the British and the French are following closely the news concerning the debates in the American Senate. French officials recently returned from the Far East have explained to their own government the relation of the Shantung decision in the Peace treaty to French interests, particularly in Indo-China. The Governor-General of Indo-China has expressed himself very forcefully.

From the above, and from earlier conversations with Mr. Balfour's secretary, my present impression is that both the British and the French will urge upon the Japanese the advisability of making a declaration; at the same time, I am apprehensive lest neither the British nor the French will be particularly insistent on points two and four among the proposals which Mr. Lansing laid down as desirable, in the draft presented to Baron Makino. It is in that connection that the American delegation may expect to encounter most difficulty. The two points in question are, in my opinion, the most important of the group. Point four in particular, should, I think, be contended for insistently. Upon its acceptance or rejection rests the deicision as to whether Shantung is or is not to be an exclusive Japanese sphere of influence.You will probably in the near future receive information as to what action the British and the French have taken respectively as to making representations to the Japanese. In anticipation of the probability that you will learn that both have advised the Japanese to make a declaration, I am considering suggerstions as to possible subsequent method of procedure, which I should be glad to discuss with you at your convenience. In the interval I beg to call your attention to passages which I have marked in a leader which appeared in yesterday's Paris-Midi, written by one of the foremost editorial writers of the Temps, who is in close touch with the Foreign office.

I have the honor to be,Sir,