893.001 T 78/3: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Schurman)
220. Your no. 341 of October 11 and 342 of October 12. The Department does not understand whether or to what extent the diplomatic corps has committed itself to the recognition of Tsao Kun’s government if satisfactory assurances are given by it regarding the Lincheng affair.
If these negotiations leave the diplomatic corps free to withhold recognition without embarrassment, I wish your opinion as to whether it would be better to do so for the present. Also inform me whether you think that the country at large will recognize Tsao Kun and whether his administration seems to give promise of ability to rule the country as the Government of China. Please also inform me with respect to other relevant considerations including the attitude of the other powers.