151.096/126: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
135. Your 257, June 26, 4 p.m., 266 July 1, 1 p.m.56 Department is not disposed to insist on issue of certificate of identity prescribed by Chinese Exclusion Act of 1884 by appointee of Peking Government in view of present disorganized condition of country and since title and personality of official issuing certificate is largely a matter of technical formality, the essential part of it being the Consular visa. Department considers, however, that acceptance of certificate issued by one styling himself “Minister of Foreign Affairs” should be avoided if possible. Department suggests that it might be tactfully pointed out to Canton authorities that certificates in other parts of China are issued by Commissioners of Foreign Affairs and that if there is at present no one at Canton using this title certificates issued by a provincial official of corresponding rank such as “Superintendent of Customs” would be acceptable. Repeat to Canton and report action.
- Latter not printed.↩