Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1924, Volume II

741.942/25: Telegram

The Ambassador in Great Britain (Kellogg) to the Secretary of State

London, July 18, 1924—6 p.m.
[Received July 18—2:36 p.m.]

265. Your 221, July 17, 6 p.m. It appears that it is not a new commercial treaty which is being negotiated. The Japanese Government is asking for amendments or interpretations (which would be in the form of an exchange of notes) of the existing treaty of 1911⁷⁴ with particular reference to the importation of products especially raw materials such as coal, iron and soya beans into Japan from the railway zone. The assent of the British Government is sought in order that Great Britain may not invoke the most-favored-nation clause of the treaty for British importations into Japan when the duties are lowered between the railway zone and Japan.

The Foreign Office asserts that it is entirely in accord with your views and will make no agreement which would impair the territorial and administrative integrity of China, and it is seeking some means which while admitting the right of Japan to lower the duties on products between the zone and Japan will not impinge on that principle.

As to the Kwantung Leased Territory Great Britain has tacitly admitted for some time past that [the?] right of Japan to fix a tariff between that territory and Japan.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

… China I am told imposes both export and import on products going into or coming out of the zone. The Foreign Office promises to keep me informed.

Kellogg

74. British and Foreign State Papers, 1911, vol. civ, p. 159.