893.51/4476: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 22—10:53 a.m.]
417. Following from senior consul, Canton, to dean of the diplomatic corps sent December 21, 10 a.m.:
“Sun late last night issued an order to commissioner of customs instructing him to hold in custody at the disposal of his Government all customs revenues collected within the jurisdiction thereof for current year after deduction of sums due in respect of foreign obligations. Same procedure to be followed monthly hereafter and accumulation of surplus since March 1920, to be made good out of customs revenues. Inspector general of customs is to be asked to comply.
Letter signed by C. C. Wu is short: asserts right to all revenues within jurisdiction; after foreign obligations are met surplus of customs is theirs; cites precedent of 1919 and 1920; Central Government being unconstitutional and unrecognized by people because others [sic] surplus; diplomatic body in letter of December 11 have acknowledged they cannot interfere therewith, hence right of this Government uncontestable.”
Following from American consul general at Canton:
“December 21, 3 p.m. Sun order handed commissioner of customs December 19. Text telegraphed to inspector general. Senior consul telegraphing outline public sentiment [statement?] issued by Canton Government in view of which consul general’s body [consular body?] decided warships now here should remain. Situation unchanged. Chinese newspapers beginning to demand recall of Dr. Schurman and myself,”
Following from commander of South China Patrol:
“December 21, 6 p.m. Order of local government to the commissioner of customs communicated to inspector general. Following up order Government today published long statement in English rehearsing previous letters and arguments and stating if order not obeyed will appoint new customs officials. Consular body of opinion that naval vessels here should remain. Local authorities protest against use of radio addressed only to American consul general, who replied cannot admit naval vessels not within rights in using radio for official communications. My opinion is that destroyers will remain here at least 10 days.”