Frank L. Polk to the American Mission in Paris

(Copy of 1

TELEGRAM RECEIVED
------1-EFF

The Japanese Charge d'Affairs handed me today a memorandum in which the Japanese Government taken exception to the resolutions of the Peking Anglo American Association, the Shanghai American Chamber of Commerce and the Japanese Governments acknowledgement of the latter which was printed in the China press Shanghai June 4, the text of the memorandum follows: “While idiscontent at the Shantung settlement is the avowed and ostensible cause of the anti Japanese agitation which has been going on in various parts of China there is no doubt back of the whole movement there, at work, deverse motives of internal politics. The agitation at any rate has ceased to be a mere diemonstration against Japan and is fast becoming a matter worth serious attention to the general peace and order in China. To the extent that this movement is one [related?] to the Shantung question and any other matters of mutual concern between Japan and China, the Japanese are confident that the just and equitable policy of Japan which will before long be confirmed by facts, will prove conducive to a quiet state of things. In that belief the Government and people of Japan as the American Government must be aware, are showing an unexcited attitude toward the Chinese situation. Nor are the Japanese Government inclined to accept readily the repeated rumor that some of the Americans in China are directly or indirectly to superintend the agitation against Japan. Even if there be anything in the rumor the Japanese Government hasve no intention whatso ever to take up the matter with the American Government for they are not unaware that the conduct of individuals is in most cases outside the scope of proper interference by the Government.The Japanese Government however cannot but attach a certain degree of importance to that nature of grievances of the Peking Anglo American Association of June 6 and of the American Chamber of Commerce in China of May 21 respectively. They deem it advisable frankly to lay before the American Government the information they have received in this connection.The Japanese Government are given to understand that the Anglo-American Association counts among its members the American Minister to China and the mbembers of the American Legation, one of the latter being an offical of the association and it might be conceived that this circumstance in the eyes of the Chinese will have given a peculiar meaning to the said resolution which is reported to have passed unanimously. Apart from any comment on the contents of there solution ait must be pointed out that it was calculated to stir in the minds of the Chinese people antagonisitic feelings against Japan and mistrust of the Peace Conference.

As for the resolution of the American Chamber of Commerce in China not only does it contain a grave slander upon Japan but the report that the President of the United States assured the Chamber of Commerce through the House Ammendment* that the resolution should be given the most attentive consideration, was taken as giving a special significance to the matter.

The Japanese Government are deeply concerned lest therse reports exercise a considerable influence upon the Chinese people and at the same time cause an undesirable effect upon the most cordial relationship between the United States and Japan.

”Have you any suggestion particularly as to the reference to the President?* Obvious error. The reference is to substance of Ammission's 2336 instructing acknowledgment of message from American Chamber of Commerce of China.