The Manchurian Question

There is a newspaper report this morning of a battle between Japanese troops and Chinese 'bandits', resulting in 300 Chinese and 3 Japanese being killed. I have not been able to obtain any confirmation yet of this, but it may turn out to be a serious affair.

In this connection, may I express the hope that the Minister will be able to attend the next meeting of the Council, even though it should be to register a successful issue, but especially if the difficulty remains and there is any possibility of the invocation of Article 15.

You will no doubt be making a study of our prospective policy in the latter event, and should it be impossible for the Minister or you yourself to be present, I hope you will be able to give me instructions so that a cautious but positive line may be followed.