List of Papers
[Unless otherwise specified, the correspondence is from or to officials in the Department of State.]
GENERAL
Proposal of the United States To Adhere, With Reservations, to the Protocol of the Permanent Court of International Justice
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Jan. 27 | Senate Resolution No. 5, 69th Congress, 1st
Session Advice and consent to U. S. adherence to protocol of December 16, 1920, and the adjoined statute for the Permanent Court, but not the optional clause for compulsory jurisdiction, subject to certain reservations and understandings, with further stipulation that signature shall not be affixed until signatory powers shall have indicated through exchange of notes their acceptance of the reservations and understandings as a part and condition of U. S. acceptance of protocol. |
1 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation between the Secretary of State, Senator Lenroot, Senator Pepper, and Mr. Castle, February 5, 1926, in which it was decided to notify World Court resolution direct to signatory powers, at the same time notifying League of Nations that this is being done. |
2 |
| Feb. 12 | To the Austrian Minister Transmittal of text of Senate resolution, with inquiry as to acceptance of the conditions, reservations, and understandings contained therein as a part and condition of the adherence of the United States to the said protocol and statute. (Sent also to the diplomatic representatives in Washington of Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Britain (for Great Britain and the Governments of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, and the Union of South Africa), Greece, Haiti, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Persia, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Salvador, Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, Siam, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, and Venezuela.) |
3 |
| Feb. 12 (25) | To the Minister in Albania Instructions to address to Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs a note of the same text as that sent to the Austrian Minister. (The same instruction, mutatis mutandis, to the Chargé in Liberia.) |
4 |
| Feb. 12 (226) | To the Ambassador in Belgium Note, identical in text with note sent to Austrian Minister, for transmission to Luxemburg. |
4 |
| Feb. 15 | From the Latvian Minister Acknowledgment of U. S. note of February 12, with promise to forward Latvian views as soon as received. (Footnote: Similar acknowledgments received through the representatives in Washington of Bolivia, China, Colombia, Haiti, Lithuania, Panama, Paraguay, Salvador, and Venezuela; no replies from Bulgaria, Canada, and Chile. Information from Brazilian Ambassador, February 24, 1926, that written acceptance would be sent, but no further communication from Brazil appears to have been received.) |
5 |
| Mar. 2 (388) | To the Minister in Switzerland Note for Secretary General of League (text printed) setting forth conditions of Senate resolution and stating that communications have been addressed to signatory governments. |
5 |
| Mar. 17 | From the Cuban Chargé Cuban acceptance of conditions, reservations, and understandings as part and condition of adhesion of United States to protocol. |
6 |
| Mar. 18 | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Adoption by League Council of British proposal suggesting that replies to U. S. note of February 12 stress difficulty of proceeding by exchange of notes and real need for general agreement, and that Council invite all these governments and United States to appoint a delegate to a meeting to be held at Geneva, September 1, 1926, to discuss reservations and framing of new agreement. |
7 |
| [Mar.(?)] 26 | From the Costa Rican Minister Information that Costa Rica does not believe it a duty to decide concerning acceptance, since her membership in League ceases January 1, 1927. |
7 |
| Mar. 31 (792) | From the Chargé in Switzerland League communication, March 29 (text printed), inviting United States to send delegate to Geneva for purposes suggested by British; information that invitations have been issued to signatory governments. |
8 |
| Apr. 3 | To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Instruction to ascertain informally whether state withdrawing from League would automatically lose status as signatory of protocol and, if not, what steps would be necessary for withdrawal from Court. |
10 |
| Apr. 6 | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Personal opinion of member of judicial section of Secretariat that withdrawal from League would not automatically deprive member state of status as signatory of protocol; to withdraw, member state might denounce protocol or invite other signatories to release it from its obligations. |
10 |
| Apr. 9 | To the Costa Rican Minister Inquiry whether Costa Rica intends to withdraw acceptance of Court protocol upon withdrawal from League. |
11 |
| Apr. 9 (558) | From the Greek Minister Acceptance of conditions, reservations, and understandings contained in Senate resolution. |
11 |
| Apr. 17 (63) | To the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Communication for Secretary General of League (text printed) declining invitation to send delegate to Geneva, since Senate resolution specifically provided procedure by which United States can become a party to and signatory of the protocol. |
12 |
| Apr. 21 | From the Costa Rican Minister Information that Costa Rica has not been and is not now a member of the World Court. |
13 |
| May 12 (370) | From the Chargé in Liberia Note of Liberian Government, May 11 (text printed), accepting terms of Senate resolution. |
13 |
| May 27 (1333/80) | From the Austrian Minister Austrian reservation of final answer to U. S. note of February 12 pending results of conference at Geneva. (Footnote: Similar notes received from Finland and Persia through their representatives in Washington; no further replies appear to have been received from Austria, Finland, or Persia.) |
14 |
| June 28 (840) | From the Greek Minister Information that Greek Government felt it should accept the invitation to participate in conference at Geneva, with a view of facilitating the common action of interested powers. |
15 |
| Aug. 4 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Latin
American Affairs Uruguayan Chargé’s informal statement accepting in principle U. S. suggestion as to World Court, pending action of Uruguayan Congress upon invitation to take part in Court. (Footnote: No further communication appears to have been received from the Uruguayan Government.) |
16 |
| Aug. 20 | From the Albanian Minister Approval of U. S. reservations for adherence to Court. |
16 |
| Aug. 23 (60) | From the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Acceptance by Luxemburg, August 21, of conditions and reserves contained in Senate resolution. |
16 |
| Aug. 30 | From the Dominican Chargé Information that Dominican delegate in League Assembly is being instructed to vote for U. S. adhesion. |
16 |
| Sept. 14 (269) | From the Consul at Geneva First session of Geneva meeting, at which discussion centered particularly around conditions that would operate should United States withdraw from Court, and proviso for U. S. consent in cases in which United States has or claims an interest. |
17 |
| Sept. 20 | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Drafting committee formula for accepting Senate resolution, providing welcome of United States into Court with explanation rather than interpretation of fifth reservation and stating that United States will enjoy same rights as most-favored members of League and, as nonmember, will keep the right of a nonmember not to appear. |
25 |
| Nov. 4 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Statement by Colombian Minister that information that American note of February 12 has been submitted to Colombian Congress will shortly be communicated by formal note. (Footnote: No further communication appears to have been received.) |
26 |
| Nov. 5 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Résumé of present status of adherence question and comments concerning action of signatory states in meeting at Geneva, at which draft protocol of execution was signed. Suggestion that exchange of notes be attempted with Abyssinia and Irish Free State, which have now become signatories of Court protocol. |
26 |
| Nov. 8 | To the Assistant Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Statement that Senate resolution provides that United States cannot sign World Court protocol until every nation signatory to the original statute has accepted the reservations. |
28 |
| Nov. 12 (742) | To the Ambassador in Great
Britain Memorandum for presentation to Abyssinian Government (text printed), inquiring whether Abyssinia accepts Senate resolution. |
29 |
| Nov. 12 | To the Minister of the Irish Free
State Inquiry as to whether Irish Free State accepts conditions, reservations, and understandings contained in Senate resolution. |
30 |
| Dec. 23 (817) | From the British Ambassador Note (text printed), in reply to U. S. note of February 12, embodying Geneva conference decisions and enclosing (1) an extract from the revised rules of the Court providing for publicity of Court opinions and (2) the preliminary draft of suggested protocol of execution providing for a separate understanding between the United States and the Council as to the manner in which the consent provided for in reservation 5 (b) is to be given (texts printed). (Similar notes, mutatis mutandis, received through the diplomatic representatives in Washington of Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Hungary, Irish Free State, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, Siam, Union of South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.) |
30 |
| Dec. 31 (828) | From the British Ambassador India’s desire to be associated with British views expressed in note No. 817 of December 23. (Similar note, mutatis mutandis, transmitted, April 4, 1927, on behalf of New Zealand.) |
38 |
| 1927 Apr. 25 (1811) | From the Ambassador in Great
Britain Foreign Office note, April 22, enclosing Abyssinian note, March 21 (texts printed), to the effect that Abyssinia is awaiting certain information from League before replying to U. S. memorandum as to acceptance of Senate resolution. (Footnote: No further communication was received from the Ethiopian Government.) |
38 |
Participation of the United States in the Work op the Preparatory Commission for the Disarmament Conference
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Dec. 13 (744) | From the Chargé in Switzerland Invitation, December 12 (text printed), to send representatives to meeting of the Preparatory Commission for the Disarmament Conference, February 15, 1926. |
40 |
| 1926 Jan. 4 | Message of the President of the United States to
Congress Request for appropriation of $50,000 to cover expenses of participation in work of Preparatory Commission. |
42 |
| Jan. 5 (39) | From the Ambassador in Japan Request for information concerning subjects to be discussed at preliminary Conference. |
44 |
| Jan. 16 (13) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Suggestion that American delegation be announced as soon as possible so as to avoid public blame for postponement which seems likely to occur. |
45 |
| Jan. 20 (8) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) President’s unwillingness to accept invitation until Congress has acted on appropriation request; assurance, however, that instructions to delegates will be completed in ample time before February 15. (Footnote: Information that resolution providing for appropriation was passed January 29 and approved February 1.) |
45 |
| Jan. 22 (10) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Query whether press rumors of postponement are accurate and, if so, when notification of postponement will be received and new date fixed. |
47 |
| Jan. 22 | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Report of strong chance for postponement, France and Italy favoring it and England being willing to discuss it. |
47 |
| Jan. 23 | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Hope of Secretary General of League that U. S. delegation will be restricted to approximately same limits as other powers, that is, one delegate with technical advisers. |
48 |
| Jan. 23 (18) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Secretary General’s promise to keep Minister fully and promptly informed of any developments regarding postponement. |
48 |
| Jan. 29 (14) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Note for Secretary General (text printed) accepting invitation to send representatives to Preparatory Commission meeting. |
48 |
| Feb. 1 (28) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Telegram from Secretary General (text printed) concerning request from certain Council members for postponement of Preparatory Commission meeting to not later than May 15. (Footnote: Information that Secretary General informed members of Commission, February 6, that meetings for February 15 and 16 had been adjourned and that question of dates had been placed on agenda of March session of Council. |
49 |
| Feb. 6 (22) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Instructions to bring to attention of League Secretariat the U. S. opinion that it would be unfortunate should League gain impression that United States, having agreed to be represented on Preparatory Commission, would consent to turn over questions in which it has direct interest to League committees on which it is not represented and which could not in United States’ opinion appropriately be consulted in matters of importance to it. |
49 |
| Feb. 9 (38) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Report that action on telegram No. 22 of February 6 is being withheld pending further instructions, since League committees are not to have role to which Department objects, since press reports are inaccurate, and inasmuch as Secretariat could not take any decisive action at this time. |
50 |
| Feb. 11 | To the Ambassador in Great Britain U. S. attitude with regard to scope of Conference, land and naval disarmament, air forces, and sanctions for the enforcement of a limitation treaty. Instructions to obtain British views upon these questions. |
51 |
| Feb. 18 (45) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Statement of Director of League Disarmament Section, upon Minister’s informal presentation of considerations outlined in Department telegram No. 22 of February 6, that for duration of Conference the Permanent Advisory Commission will be replaced by a technical advisory subcommission of Preparatory Commission and that one member each of American, German, and Japanese delegations will be asked to sit in this Joint Commission. |
56 |
| Feb. 27 (39) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Ambassador’s conclusion, after conversations with Sir Austen Chamberlain, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Lord Robert Cecil, British delegate on Preparatory Commission, that decisions of Conference will be determined by considerations of general policy having no direct interest to United States and that unless Americans follow British in concessions they feel it wise to make, delegates may find themselves standing alone and thus responsible for making agreement impossible. |
57 |
| Mar. 2 (15) | To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Instructions to ascertain discreetly the attitude of the Japanese Government toward subjects Preparatory Commission is to consider. |
59 |
| Mar. 18 (66) | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) League Council’s decision to invite military, naval, and air experts of all delegations represented on Preparatory Commission to sit with Permanent Advisory Commission on basis of absolute equality, to increase membership of Joint Commission by adding four members from delegations of United States, Japan, Germany, and Russia, to invite Argentina and Chile to participate in Preparatory Commission, to invite Permanent Advisory Commission to meet on May 18 simultaneously with Preparatory Commission, and to leave to Preparatory Commission decision as to when Joint Commission is to meet. |
60 |
| Mar. 20 (61) | From the Chargé in Great Britain (tel.) Washington despatch in London Times, March 19 (excerpt printed), giving purported substance of Ambassador Houghton’s report to President and Secretary of State concerning conditions in Europe; comments on subject from other newspapers. (Footnote: Announcement by Department, as quoted in circular telegram, March 19, 6 p.m., to Embassies in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and the Legation in Switzerland, that neither Ambassador Houghton nor Minister Gibson has divulged to any unofficial person the nature of their reports to the President or Secretary Kellogg.) |
60 |
| Mar. 25 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a
Conversation With the French Ambassador In which the Ambassador assured the Secretary that France favors having preliminary Conference on May 18. |
62 |
| Mar. 25 (780) | From the Chargé in Switzerland League communication, March 19 (text printed), enclosing Council report fixing May 18 as date for Preparatory Commission meeting, May 19 for Permanent Advisory Commission meeting. |
63 |
| Mar. 29 [73] | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Information that American citizen to be appointed by President of Council to sit with Joint Commission cannot be a member of American delegation, since no member may be a government representative; and that several unofficial Americans are being considered for this post. |
67 |
| Mar. 30 (48) | To the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Instructions to present view that Department is unable to understand necessity for Joint Commission of League; that United States can participate in Preparatory Commission only to the extent of the participation of the President’s representatives; and that Preparatory Commission is competent to determine own procedure, appoint subcommittees, and seek information where it deems best. |
67 |
| Apr. 2 (75) | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Secretary General’s suggested solution, in view of impossibility of revoking Council’s decision to convene Joint Commission, that member of American delegation might be designated to sit with Joint Commission in capacity of an expert. |
68 |
| Apr. 7 (54) | To the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Communication for Secretary General (text printed) to the effect that American representatives were chosen on the understanding that Preparatory Commission was itself to do the preparatory work on limitation of armaments, not merely to delegate this function to other bodies, that it was to continue in session until its report was submitted, and that the task of preparing a report was to rest with the Commission itself or subcommittees to be formed therefrom. |
70 |
| Apr. 8 (55) | To the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Concern over increasing tendency to inject League committees into work of Commission, thus giving ground for claim that United States has been maneuvered into turning over to League matters which should be discussed only by authorized representatives of the interested governments. |
71 |
| Apr. 8 (52) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to obtain Chamberlain’s views as to how Preparatory Commission is to function, and to repeat telegram to Paris, Berne, and Prague for confidential information. |
72 |
| Apr. 12 (93) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Surprise concerning press report that strong campaign for another postponement has been started in Paris. |
74 |
| Apr. 13 (146) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Report in French press that postponement proposal has not been made for fear of displeasing United States, though French press from beginning has been skeptical of practical results. |
75 |
| Apr. 13 (36) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Impression, from interview with Foreign Minister, that Japan intends to avoid committal to definite policy, but will leave large discretion to representatives and will pass on questions as they arise. |
75 |
| Apr. 14 (74) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Chamberlain’s assumption that Preparatory Commission will divide into subcommittees which will act simultaneously, full meeting to take place when subcommittees are ready to report. Press reports that Baltic states and Poland, with approval of France, will request postponement. |
76 |
| Apr. 15 (96) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Instructions, in view of repeated rumors of postponement, to present U. S. views to Foreign Office. |
77 |
| Apr. 16 (148) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) French Foreign Ministry’s categorical denial of press reports. |
77 |
| Apr. 17 (33) | From the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Information that Belgian Government does not desire postponement. |
77 |
| Apr. 20 | To the Ambassador in France (cir. tel.) Excerpt (text printed) from Secretary of State’s address in New York, outlining U. S. attitude toward limitation of land and naval armaments. (Instructions to repeat to London, Brussels, Rome, Berne, and Prague.) |
78 |
| Apr. 22 (13) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Belief of Dr. Beneš, member of League Council, that U. S. insistence that Preparatory Commission determine its own procedure may prove most embarrassing to League. |
79 |
| Apr. 22 (92) | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Secretary General’s opinion that there would be no disposition at the Conference to oppose the Department’s views with regard to organization of the work thereof. |
80 |
| Apr. 23 | To the Minister in Switzerland Appointment of Minister as American delegate on the Preparatory Commission and of Alan F. Winslow as secretary. Instructions concerning American participation. |
80 |
| Undated | Memorandum by the Department of
State Consideration of the seven questions submitted with the invitation of the Council of the League of December 12, 1925. (Footnote: Information that memorandum was transmitted to the Chargé in Switzerland, April 29, for use of the American delegate on the Preparatory Commission.) |
89 |
| Apr. 24 (95) | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Uruguayan delegate’s agreement with American views as expressed in Department telegram No. 54 of April 7 to the Chargé, and promise to support them in Conference. |
100 |
| May 15 (3) | From the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Report that British and French are endeavoring to arrange that Conference committees be substituted for League organizations; and opinion as to desirability of supporting Boncour, of French delegation, as chairman and the Uruguayan delegate as vice chairman. |
101 |
| May 15 (4) | From the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Proposed statement to be made by American delegate (text printed) concerning U. S. policy toward participation in Conference. |
101 |
| May 18 (8) | From the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Report of opening session, at which Dutch delegate was elected as president, Uruguayan and Spanish delegates were elected as vice presidents, and a military, naval and air committee made up of representatives of each delegation was provided in place of Permanent Advisory Commission. |
103 |
| May 21 (43) | To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Request for Japanese attitude concerning Associated Press report from Geneva that Japanese delegation has program for separate land and naval armament limitation and would be willing to participate in a three-power naval conference at Washington. |
104 |
| May 22 (44) | To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Minutes of statement made by “White House Spokesman,” May 21 (text printed), concerning reports of Japanese suggestions for three-power naval limitation conference. |
105 |
| May 25 (51) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Foreign Minister’s gratification upon receiving statement, and assurance that press report from Geneva is without foundation. |
106 |
| May 25 (52) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Foreign Office statement (text printed) denying rumors of new Japanese proposal for disarmament. |
107 |
| June 11 (40) | From the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Conversations with Chamberlain in which dismal outlook for Commission’s progress was expressed. Opinion of Beneš that when Germany has entered League and the Locarno pacts have been found effective, some measure of disarmament might be achieved. |
108 |
| Sept. 16 (102) | From the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Request for Department authorization for a statement by American delegate before Preparatory Commission to the effect that procedure being followed in subcommittees cannot lead to a report which could be received seriously as embodying the considered technical opinion of experts. |
109 |
| Sept. 18 (56) | To the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Outline (text printed) for use of delegate in preparing suggested statement. |
112 |
| Sept. 20 (105) | From the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Notice that Preparatory Commission will meet September 22. |
114 |
| Sept. 21 (108) | From the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Explanation that delegate has interpreted Secretary’s instructions liberally, embodying those as to procedure in a statement to be delivered September 22 and those as to general attitude in a separate statement to be delivered later in discussions. (Footnote: Information that the latter statement was made at second meeting of second session, September 27.) |
114 |
| Sept. 21 (109) | From the American Delegate on the Preparatory
Commission (tel.) Statement to be made before Commission, September 22 (text printed), pointing out that Military Commission has approached questions from both political and military points of view and proposing that Subcommittee A be instructed to answer on purely technical grounds, uninfluenced by political or economic considerations, the questions that have been referred to it. |
115 |
| Oct. 2 (23) | To the Minister in Uruguay (tel.) Instructions to express orally and informally to Foreign Minister regret of United States that Uruguay, not having been reelected to a seat in League Council, has withdrawn from participation in work of Preparatory Commission. |
118 |
| Oct. 7 (53) | From the Minister in Uruguay (tel.) Information that Uruguay will be represented at next meeting of Commission. (Footnote: Minister’s further report, October 9, that Uruguay had withdrawn from Commission.) |
119 |
| Dec. 9 | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Adoption of Council resolution, December 8, requesting Preparatory Commission to submit proposals concerning convening of Disarmament Conference and to draw up agenda of Conference. |
119 |
Discontinuance of the Office of American Unofficial Observer, Reparation Commission
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Apr. 10 (90) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Hill: Request for comments of Ambassador or Hill on Department’s intention to discontinue independent office for American observer, as of May 31, 1926, and to assign Edwin C. Wilson to Embassy staff, in charge of reparation matters. |
120 |
| Apr. 22 (155) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) From Hill: Opinion that although there is no insurmountable difficulty to office being embodied ultimately in the Embassy, it would be advisable to continue it in its present form, at least until September 1, for reasons that (1) later change would create less comment, (2) pending matters, particularly the D. A. P. G. tanker case, require attention of someone who has fullest possible knowledge of the background, and (3) saving to Department would be inconsiderable, since change would preclude using assistants heretofore available from Reparation Commission. |
121 |
| Apr. 23 (156) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Comment that there is no space available in the chancery for a reparation section, and belief that in present state of European opinion it would be unfortunate should United States make any move which could be taken as a lessening of interest in European affairs. |
123 |
| June 7 (165) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Hill: Information that Wilson will sail June 9 and will give attention to reparation matters, but that Hill will not be instructed to return to Department before September 1. |
124 |
| Dec. 18 (332) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) For Hill: Instructions to be prepared to turn over to Embassy the handling of reparation matters as of January 31, 1927, and subsequently to report to Department. |
124 |
| 1927 Feb. 1 (42) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information that Wilson has taken over reparation work as of February 1, 1927. (Footnote: Transfer of the office to the Embassy was effected February 28, 1927.) |
125 |
Proposed Disposition of Property Held by the Alien Property Custodian
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Dec. 12 | To the Secretary of the Treasury Inquiry whether Treasury plan, published December 10, 1925, for return of alien property contemplates the same treatment for property of German, Austrian, and Hungarian nationals. (Footnote: The Treasury plan, with some modifications, was introduced into Congress March 29, 1926, and is commonly referred to as the “Mills Bill.”) |
125 |
| 1926 Feb. 3 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Discussion with German Ambassador of possibility of reaching agreement for final disposition of claims against Germany. The Ambassador’s statement that Germany will make no agreement covering claims which is not contingent upon the return of the alien property fund to its German owners. |
125 |
| Feb. 4 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation in which German Ambassador was informed that United States is not disposed to make an agreement contingent upon return of German property held by Alien Property Custodian. |
127 |
| Mar. 17 | From the Under Secretary of the
Treasury Information that if a bill covering German property is adopted, Treasury Department would be glad to extend the same policy to Austria and Hungary when liabilities for mixed claims and means of payment therefor have been definitely established. |
127 |
| Mar. 19 (438) | To the Minister in Austria Conversation, March 15, in which Austrian Minister expressed the hope that the Mills Bill would include a statement regarding Austrian property and mentioned funding agreements as method for taking care of American claims. |
128 |
| Mar. 22 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation, March 20, in which German Ambassador said that alien property bill as now worded covered most of his objections. |
130 |
| Apr. 2 (838/70) | From the Austrian Minister Representations concerning certain provisions of the Mills Bill; request that technical considerations be waived and a way found to include in the bill the return of Austrian property. |
131 |
| Apr. 3 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Information that German Ambassador has received from his Government permission to state categorically that if German private property is returned, no special Government taxes will be assessed against it. |
135 |
| Apr. 3 | From the German Embassy Statement that German private property returned by United States will not be subjected to any kind of special taxation. |
136 |
| June 8 (1505/70) | From the Austrian Minister Statement that Minister has received specific instructions from his Government to enter into negotiations aiming at release of Austrian property held as security for future awards and its replacement by a security of equal or better quality. |
136 |
| June 11 | To the Austrian Minister Suggestion that Minister communicate with Secretary of the Treasury, to whom note of June 8 has been transmitted. (Footnote: Information that on June 29, 1926, the Minister informed the Department that he had conferred with the Under Secretary of the Treasury.) |
137 |
| Nov. 10 (2556/70) | From the Austrian Minister Copy of letter to Under Secretary of the Treasury (text printed) outlining Austrian offer to issue and turn over Government bonds to extent of Austrian property held by Alien Property Custodian, these bonds to serve as security for American claims. |
138 |
| Dec. 15 | To the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means
of the House of Representatives Statement placing on record the Secretary’s apprehension concerning certain international questions inherent in terms of H. R. 15009 providing for the settlement of U. S.-German claims, return of property of German nationals, and apportionment among all claimants of certain available funds. |
141 |
| Dec. 16 | Informal Memorandum Left by the Hungarian Minister
With the Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Statement that Hungary does not intend to follow Austrian lead to press for an early return of seized alien property, and sees no reason to protest against noninclusion of Hungarian property in connection with release of German property. |
143 |
| Dec. 23 | From the Under Secretary of the
Treasury Under Secretary’s statement to Austrian Minister that Treasury will not recommend legislation covering return of Austrian property until after receipt of definite estimate of probable amount of awards. |
144 |
Submission to the Senate of the International Convention Relating to the Regulation of Aerial Navigation, Done at Paris, October 13, 1919
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 June 15 | To President Coolidge Text of report enclosing (1) draft letter for submission to Senate, (2) convention and additional protocol, (3) protocol relative to amendment of article 5, (4) protocol relative to amendment of article 34, and (5) tabulated statement showing action taken by various countries with respect to the convention and protocols (texts printed); recommendation as to form of Senate resolution of advice and consent (text printed), with reservations as to provisions to which United States is unable to give unqualified approval. (Footnotes: Information that draft letter, with report and enclosures, was sent to the Senate June 16, 1926; also that on January 12, 1934, President Roosevelt requested the return of the convention and accompanying papers, which request was granted January 15, 1934.) |
145 |
Convention Between the United States and Other Powers Revising the International Sanitary Convention of January 17, 1912, Signed June 21, 1926
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Feb. 25 | From the French Ambassador Inquiry whether United States will send delegates to conference at Paris for revision of sanitary convention, and whether October 26, 1925, would be an acceptable date. Transmittal of draft of revision of sanitary convention. (Footnote: Information that in June 1925 the Ambassador in France reported that conference had been postponed until May 10, 1926.) |
174 |
| Oct. 8 | To the French Ambassador Opinion of U. S. health officials that existing sanitary convention should be revised, and their approval of draft of revision submitted with Ambassador’s note of February 25. Information that United States will send delegate, or delegates, to Paris with full powers. |
175 |
| 1926 Mar. 24 | To the French Ambassador Notification of names of U. S. representatives. |
176 |
| June 21 | Convention Between the United States and Other
Powers Revising the international sanitary convention of January 17, 1912. Also annexes. |
177 |
| Mar. 10 | Procès-Verbal Of the deposit of ratifications of the international sanitary convention by Belgium, Spain, France, Great Britain, Monaco, and the Soudan. |
234 |
| Mar. 28 | Procès-Verbal Of the deposit of ratifications of the international sanitary convention by Czechoslovakia. |
237 |
| May 22 | Procès-Verbal Of the deposit of ratifications of the international sanitary convention by the United States of America. |
237 |
Preliminary Conference on Oil Pollution of Navigable Waters, Washington, June 8–16, 1926
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 June 16 | Final Act of the Preliminary Conference on Oil
Pollution of Navigable Waters, Washington, June 8–16,
1926 With annexed draft convention. |
238 |
Sympathetic Attitude of the United States Toward Efforts by the League of Nations for the Suppression of Slavery
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Oct. 12 (C. L. 123. 1925. VI) | From the Secretary General of the League of
Nations Transmission of Council resolution of September 28 (text printed) and draft convention on slave trade, with request to forward observations on draft before June 1, 1926. |
247 |
| 1926 May 17 (72) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Reply for Secretary General (text printed) stating that United States, in accord with its traditional policy, is deeply interested in any movement which looks toward the abolishment of all forms of involuntary servitude. |
248 |
| June 2 (104) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Query as to whether United States would be disposed to attend autonomous international conference on slavery. |
248 |
| June 4 (75) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Instructions informally to advise Secretary General that invitation to attend autonomous slavery conference would be given most sympathetic consideration. (Footnote: Information that autonomous conference was not called, and that a convention drawn up by League Assembly was opened for signature on September 25, 1926.) |
249 |
Statement to Certain Foreign Goverments Regarding Efforts of the United States To Control the Production of and Traffic in Narcotic Drugs
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Oct. 14 | To the Diplomatic Officers of the United States
Accredited to the Governments Party to The Hague Convention of
January 23, 1912 Certain observations as to U. S. methods of controlling domestic traffic in narcotic drugs and the export thereof. Instructions, when presenting these views to government to which accredited, to express U. S. desire for suggestions regarding control and for cooperation in attaining ends aimed at by Hague convention. |
250 |
Efforts by the United States To Prevent the Injection of Political Questions Into the Proceedings of the Bolívar Congress at Panama
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Apr. 2 (678) | From the Minister in Panama Panama’s invitation to United States to send delegates to a congress at Panama, June 18, 1926, in celebration of first centennial of Bolívar Congress of 1826. |
254 |
| Apr. 24 (33) | To the Minister in Panama (tel.) Instructions discreetly to verify whether program is of purely ceremonial and commemorative nature. |
255 |
| Apr. 28 (50) | From the Minister in Panama (tel.) Assurance that Congress is purely ceremonial. |
255 |
| May 11 (35) | To the Minister in Panama (tel.) U. S. acceptance of invitation. |
255 |
| 1926 May 29 (37) | To the Minister in Panama (tel.) Appointment of U. S. delegates to Bolivar Congress, Minister to serve as chairman. |
255 |
| June 3 (40) | To the Minister in Panama (tel.) Instructions to refrain from participation in any discussions of political or controversial nature, should they arise. |
255 |
| June 22 (21) | To the Minister in Honduras (tel.) Instructions to ascertain whether Honduran delegate was under instructions in actions unfriendly to United States, and to request that appropriate steps be taken to prevent repetition. |
256 |
| June 24 (52) | To the Minister in Panama (tel.) Request for full information concerning Associated Press report, June 22, that Congress has unanimously adopted a resolution recommending common action by Pan American states against any aggressor state. |
257 |
| June 24 (50) | From the Minister in Panama (tel.) Abstention of U. S. delegates from voting upon resolution adopted by Congress recognizing desirability of an American league of nations. |
257 |
| June 25 (43) | From the Minister in Honduras (tel.) Foreign Minister’s regret concerning action of Honduran delegate, who was not acting under instructions and who has ceased to be a delegate. |
258 |
| Undated [Rec’d June 25] (51) |
From the Minister in Panama (tel.) Resolution adopted by Congress (text printed) recommending common action by Pan American states against any aggressor; Minister’s statement for the record (text printed) explaining delegation’s position toward this and other resolutions of political nature. |
258 |
| June 25 (52) | From the Minister in Panama (tel.) Withdrawal, at final session of Congress, of Nicaraguan motion recommending that the Sixth Pan American Conference consider transference of seat of Pan American Union to Panama. |
259 |
Tacna-Arica Arbitration: Termination of the Plebiscite
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Jan. 4 (1) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to obtain Peruvian views toward possible settlement outside of plebiscite, being guided by (1) information from Ambassador in Chile concerning conversations with representatives of Bolivia, Uruguay, and Argentina, and (2) Department telegram to Ambassador in Chile, December 22, 1925 (summary printed), to the effect that if interested Latin American Governments can bring about request from Chile and Peru for good offices, United States will be glad to offer them, always provided that integrity of arbitration and impartiality of Arbitrator are maintained unimpaired. |
260 |
| Jan. 6 (8) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Suggestion that representatives in Argentina and Uruguay be instructed concerning U. S. attitude toward diplomatic settlement, and that matter be discussed with Argentine and Uruguayan representatives in Washington. |
263 |
| Jan. 7 (4) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Query whether there has been opportunity to outline to Argentine and Uruguayan representatives, American attitude as summarized in telegram No. 1, January 4, to the Ambassador in Peru. |
263 |
| Jan. 8 (9) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Informal statements to Argentine and Uruguayan representatives; Uruguayan Minister’s preference for Argentine plan of sounding out Chile and Peru to see if they would not advise Arbitrator that they appreciate fact that a more comprehensive settlement should be made than was thought of when question was submitted for arbitration. |
264 |
| Jan. 8 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Pershing: Opinion that in view of acts of violence such as that visited by Chileans on repatriated Peruvians arriving in Tacna January 6, Peruvians should not be encouraged to return home to take part in plebiscite until Chilean Commissioner declares a change in policy, accompanied by punishment of guilty and adequate guarantees of good government. |
266 |
| Jan. 9 (5) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Statement of U. S. policy, in conversations with Argentine and Uruguayan representatives in Washington; repetition to U. S. representatives in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay of certain information to be used in explaining U. S. attitude, if approached. |
268 |
| Jan. 9 (1) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Report that views of representatives of Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil in Peru differ from those reported as coming from representatives of these countries in Chile. Peru’s desire for and confidence in winning plebiscite if given fair chance at polls, and belief that onus for calling off plebiscite will be placed squarely on Chile. |
269 |
| Jan. 10 (2) | From the Minister in Uruguay (tel.) Press statement of Argentine Foreign Minister, on visit in Montevideo, that Argentina’s influence would be thrown toward execution of award or broadening of powers of Arbitrator; his opinion that failure to reach solution would be serious blow to practice of arbitration. |
273 |
| Jan. 11 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Pershing: Opinion that Tacna disturbances cannot be made basis for ultimatum, but that Chile should be impressed with responsibility for maintaining order; that avoidance of any new crisis is imperative, pending Arbitrator’s opinion clarifying situation as to appeals filed by Chile and Peru. |
273 |
| Jan. 11 (4) | To the Minister in Panama (tel.) For General Lassiter: Notification of his appointment to take place of General Pershing as Chairman of the Plebiscitary Commission. |
274 |
| Jan. 13 (5) | From the Minister in Uruguay (tel.) Press statement of Uruguayan Foreign Minister, expressing same attitude as that of Argentine Foreign Minister reported January 10. |
276 |
| Jan. 15 | To the President of the Plebiscitary Commission
(tel.) Arbitrator’s opinion and decision (text printed) upon the appeal from the decision of the Plebiscitary Commission of December 9, 1925. |
277 |
| Jan. 18 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Pershing: Formal resignation as Commissioner. (Footnote: Information that General Pershing left Arica January 27.) |
281 |
| Jan. 28 | To the President of the Plebiscitary Commission
(tel.) Arbitrator’s order (text printed) dismissing, except as to matters dealt with in opinion of January 15, the appeal filed by Chile on the same date. |
282 |
| Feb. 1 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Importance of expediting consideration of any appeals taken on Chilean and Peruvian motions defeated in Commission meeting of January 30. Request for advice as to action should further prosecution of task of holding plebiscite appear impossible. |
283 |
| Feb. 3 (7) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Suggestion to be made to Peruvian President, if opportunity offers, that leaders’ duty is to use influence toward settlement rather than deliberately to arouse public feeling. Conversation with Peruvian Ambassador at Washington, in which Secretary made U. S. attitude of nonintervention plain. |
284 |
| Feb. 4 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Assurance of Arbitrator’s readiness to dispose of any appeals taken. Instructions to give Chile and Peru to understand that should election be vitiated, Commissioner will vote to set it aside and hold a new one. |
286 |
| Feb. 10 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Proposal, should conditions not be improved at once, to press for passage of a resolution by Plebiscitary Commission charging Chilean authorities with frustrating plebiscite. |
288 |
| Feb. 11 | To the President of the Plebiscitary Commission
(tel.) Arbitrator’s order (text printed) allowing Chilean and Peruvian appeals on motions defeated in Commission meeting of January 30. |
295 |
| Feb. 15 (9) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Explanation that submission of certain plebiscitary questions to decision and control of Chilean tribunals and authorities has been humiliating to Peru. |
296 |
| Feb. 16 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Promulgation of registration and election regulations on February 15 and postponement of registration until March 15. |
297 |
| Feb. 16 (10) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Memorandum for Foreign Minister (text printed) inquiring whether Chile would be disposed to avail herself of U. S. good offices, it being understood that pending any adjustment other than by plebiscite, the authority of Plebiscitary Commission and arrangements for plebiscite remain unimpaired. |
298 |
| Feb. 16 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions not to press for resolution charging Chile with frustration, but to continue in attitude of withholding judgment and of proceeding with plebiscite, and to make no intimation of what may be ultimate action. |
300 |
| Feb. 16 (12) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Memorandum for Foreign Minister (text printed) inquiring whether Peru would be disposed to avail herself of U. S. good offices, it being understood that pending any adjustment other than by plebiscite, the authority of Plebiscitary Commission and arrangements for plebiscite remain unimpaired. |
302 |
| Feb. 18 (20) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Belief that diplomatic settlement can be brought about, despite recent change in sentiment which now favors plebiscite. |
303 |
| Feb. 18 (10) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian President’s response, to inquiry made by head of New York house of Wessel, Duval & Co. as to a peaceable compromise, that bitterness could be ended only by restoration of the provinces to Peru. |
304 |
| Feb. 19 (22) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Chile’s memorandum (text printed) indicating willingness to accept U. S. good offices, with understanding that proceedings or steps taken in exercise of such good offices will not impede plebiscitary proceedings provided in arbitral award. |
305 |
| Feb. 20 (23) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Conversation in which Foreign Minister stated that tender of good offices had come at time when Chile was confident of favorable outcome of plebiscite and that there were limits to concessions which Government could get Congress to approve. |
306 |
| Feb. 20 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Inquiry whether Department policy is to press forward with plebiscite. |
309 |
| Feb. 23 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to push actively ahead with plebiscite. |
309 |
| Feb. 23 (14) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to present good-offices memorandum at once and to cable Peru’s reply at earliest possible moment. |
310 |
| Feb. 24 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Report that Peruvians may demand postponement of registration beyond March 15, and that representative of Plebiscitary Commission is being sent to Iquique to receive statements of Peruvians wishing to return to provinces. Query whether American consuls at other points in Chile might be notified also to receive such statements. |
311 |
| Feb. 25 | To the President of the Plebiscitary Commission
(tel.) Decision of Arbitrator upon appeals made January 30 (text printed). |
312 |
| Feb. 25 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Query as to policy to be pursued if assumption that pressing for plebiscite would forward negotiations proves to be a mistake. Recommendation that if Peru accepts good offices, proceedings should be suspended. |
315 |
| Feb. 26 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Regret that consular officers cannot be authorized to act for Plebiscitary Commission; question, indeed, whether Commission itself has jurisdiction to act outside of plebiscitary area. |
316 |
| Feb. 26 (16) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian memorandum (text printed) expressing preference for plebiscite, although willing to have some other adjustment, provided United States is a party thereto. |
317 |
| Feb. 27 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Assertion that since both parties insist on plebiscite, there is no choice but to conduct proceedings with all care to protect Arbitrator and ultimately to place blame for failure where it belongs. |
317 |
| Mar. 2 (18) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Memorandum for Peru (text printed) expressing regret at rejection of good offices and stating impossibility of United States becoming a party to an adjustment. |
319 |
| Mar. 2 (18) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian President’s reluctance in rejecting U. S. offer; his reiteration of willingness to accept settlement should United States be a party to it, and suggestion that a U. S. guarantee be indirectly accomplished. |
320 |
| Mar. 4 (21) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Position that acceptance of good offices with condition annexed constitutes rejection of offer as made, that United States cannot guarantee any settlement, and that speculation over ways to accomplish such aim indirectly is futile. |
321 |
| Mar. 9 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Peruvian Commissioner’s threat to withdraw should his resolution to postpone fail. U. S. Commissioner’s view that only course is (1) to state that conditions are incompatible with fair plebiscite, but continue registration in hope of improvement, or (2) to terminate plebiscitary operations, fixing responsibility on Chile. |
321 |
| Mar. 10 (30) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Possibility that should Peru’s request for postponement be denied, she might accept a new tender of good offices. |
322 |
| Mar. 10 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Opinion that recent incidents are not sufficiently conclusive to justify sudden reversal of existing policy, and that Commission should continue plebiscitary arrangements until time arrives for determining finally whether fair plebiscite can be held. |
324 |
| Mar. 11 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Commissioner’s conviction that he should proceed with course outlined in telegram of March 9. |
325 |
| Mar. 11 (20) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Memorandum for Foreign Minister (text printed) interpreting term “good offices” in its widest possible intendment. (Similar memorandum transmitted in telegram No. 23, March 11, to Peru.) |
327 |
| Mar. 12 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Opinion that it would be unfortunate should Commission take any attitude closing door and leaving Peru to conclude she had succeeded in having plebiscite called off without having to assume responsibility for it and at same time had succeeded in having blame placed on Chile. |
328 |
| Mar. 12 (24) | From the Chargé in Peru (tel.) Peruvian memorandum (text printed) stating willingness to accept good offices as now explained, provided the same entails U. S. assurance of no war between Peru and Chile. |
330 |
| Mar. 15 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Opinion that upon passage of Peruvian resolution recommending termination of proceedings, Arbitrator should suspend electoral proceedings for three months, have personnel of electoral boards withdrawn, and direct Plebiscitary Commission to adjourn to meet in Washington May 1. |
330 |
| Mar. 16 (36) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Chilean memorandum (text printed) expressing continued disposition to accept U. S. good offices. |
332 |
| Mar. 18 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Opinion that program sketched in telegram of March 15 would facilitate obstructive tactics of Peru and render difficult any lasting settlement; that only way to keep door open for settlement is by publishing good-offices correspondence and by voting down resolutions pending before Plebiscitary Commission. |
333 |
| Mar. 18 (25) | To the Chargé in Peru (tel.) Memorandum for Peru (text printed) expressing hope of more favorable view toward good-offices proposal. |
334 |
| Mar. 19 (27) | From the Chargé in Peru (tel.) Opinion that Peruvian President would find himself at odds with people were he to alter views as to holding plebiscite. |
335 |
| Mar. 19 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Reasons why action outlined in Department’s telegram of March 18 would prejudice more than further a desirable state of affairs. |
335 |
| Mar. 20 (26) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Importance of exploring possibility of Chile’s presenting any new suggestion toward settlement, such as enlargement of Arbitrator’s powers. |
337 |
| Mar. 21 (31) | From the Chargé in Peru (tel.) Peruvian memorandum, March 20 (text printed), reiterating desire for plebiscite. |
338 |
| Mar. 21 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Objections to further postponement, and recommendation for termination of proceedings; willingness, however, to carry out Department program if this is still considered best course; request for instructions should Peru withdraw. |
339 |
| Mar. 22 (40) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Conversation in which Foreign Minister emphasized difficulty of securing congressional approval for unlimited enlargement of Arbitrator’s powers; his suggestion that Arbitrator bring pressure on Peru to induce acceptance of mediation and that plebiscite be kept alive by adjournment. |
340 |
| Mar. 22 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Chilean note (text printed) presenting Chilean viewpoint and inquiring as to further steps to be taken to insure fair plebiscite. |
343 |
| Mar. 22 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Procedure to be followed in carrying out Department program; instruction, should Peru withdraw, to take briefest possible adjournment; information that publication of good-offices correspondence is being withheld for present. Instructions to make specific demands upon Chilean Commissioner looking to immediate improvement of conditions necessary for holding free and fair plebiscite. |
345 |
| Mar. 23 (25) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Information and comments concerning Department program and Chilean aspects of situation. Explanation that telegram No. 26, March 20, was not intended as invitation to use pressure on Chile to accept unlimited enlargement of Arbitrator’s powers, that Arbitrator has not been consulted on question, and that he could not accept such powers unless Peru also were willing. |
346 |
| Mar. 24 (33) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian memorandum (text printed) accepting good offices, in view of worsened situation in plebiscitary area. |
348 |
| Mar. 25 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Statement made in Commission meeting March 25 (text printed) abstaining from voting upon resolution to inform Arbitrator that fair plebiscite is impossible. Suggestion that, in view of failure of various motions, Peru’s failure to withdraw, and possibility that she may not take part in registration, Peruvian and Chilean Commissioners be instructed to vote for postponement. |
349 |
| Mar. 25 (30) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Memorandum for Foreign Minister (text printed) inquiring whether, in view of fact that offer of good offices has now been accepted by both Chile and Peru, Chile will (1) instruct her Commissioner to take appropriate steps to suspend plebiscitary proceedings and (2) authorize representatives to enter into negotiations at Washington with representatives of Peru, U. S. good offices to be exercised by and through Secretary of State. |
350 |
| Mar. 25 (27) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Memorandum for Peru (text printed) making inquiries identical with those made of Chile. |
351 |
| Mar. 26 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Request that Chilean and Peruvian Commissioners be notified to vote for 30-day postponement of registration, since indications are that Peru may not participate. (Footnote: Department suggestion, March 26, that, for lack of time to arrange suspension, day-to-day adjournments be taken.) |
352 |
| Mar. 26 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Approval of statement made March 25. |
352 |
| Mar. 26 (45) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Possibility that Chile may now refuse good offices and insist either upon going ahead with registration or on delay Of only 10 or 15 days. |
352 |
| Mar. 26 (47) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Statement of Chile that no modification has been made in her express reservation that exercise of good offices should not impede plebiscitary proceedings; intention of Chile to publish Department’s first memorandum on subject, with Chilean reply. |
353 |
| Mar. 27 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Request that Arbitrator intervene to terminate plebiscite or neutralize territory. |
354 |
| Mar. 27 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions, since Chile is hesitating about accepting good offices, to go ahead with registration, if possible, and, if not, to be prepared to continue at any moment. |
355 |
| Mar. 27 (32) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Surprise at Chilean attitude as expressed in telegram No. 45, March 26, and opinion that 15 days would not suffice for negotiations. |
355 |
| Mar. 27 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Renewal of recommendation to terminate plebiscitary proceedings and suspend operations of registration and election boards. |
356 |
| Mar. 27 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Proposal that Peruvian Commissioner be informed that request for participation in suspension of plebiscite is annulled and that he be offered choice of proposing his own motion to terminate plebiscite or else either to proceed with registration or to withdraw. |
356 |
| Mar. 27 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Information that Arbitrator cannot terminate proceedings on own initiative and that registration must be continued until both parties agree upon suspension, as contemplated by offer of good offices. |
357 |
| Mar. 27 (35) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Explanation that suspension during negotiations is distinct from a postponement or termination. Inability to believe that Chile will insist upon reservation which qualifies her acceptance of good offices in such a way as to render it wholly illusory. Intention to furnish entire correspondence to press if Chile publishes any part of it. |
358 |
| Mar. 27 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Insistence that registration shall proceed, since Chile questions right to suspend without her consent and since failure to continue will cause embarrassment and prejudice all plans for settlement. |
358 |
| Mar. 27 (48) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Chilean memorandum (text printed) agreeing to instruct Ambassador at Washington to participate in negotiations, but refusing to agree to suspension of plebiscitary proceedings during such negotiations. |
359 |
| Mar. 27 (36) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian memorandum (text printed) agreeing to suspend plebiscitary proceedings during negotiations at Washington. |
361 |
| Mar. 28 (50) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Importance of continuing registration until Chilean misunderstanding over suspension is cleared up. |
361 |
| Mar. 29 (30) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to obtain Peruvian cooperation toward minimizing seriousness of new complication interjected by Peru’s refusal to participate in registration, a refusal apparently based on mistaken idea that offer and acceptance of good offices imposed suspension of registration. |
362 |
| Mar. 29 (36) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Hope that Foreign Minister will find way to agree to suspension during negotiations. |
364 |
| Mar. 29 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Reiteration of point that best and perhaps only hope of settlement by negotiation lies in maintaining situation for present just as it is. |
364 |
| Mar. 30 (38) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) President’s disposition to cooperate in good faith, the disinclination to proceed with registration being based upon assertion of impossible conditions in the provinces and belief that settlement by direct negotiations is preferable; his intention to appoint Peruvian representative on Plebiscitary Commission as Plenipotentiary to negotiate at Washington. |
365 |
| Mar. 31 (31) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to emphasize seriousness of Peruvian position, inasmuch as (1) suspension of plebiscite can properly be brought about only by agreement with Chile and Peru, (2) Peru’s declination to participate in registration is equivalent to withdrawal, (3) Chile may contend that Peru by abandoning proceedings has given up legal right to plebiscite, and therefore to territory, and (4) Department efforts to have Chile agree to suspension are embarrassed by Peru’s failure to cooperate. |
366 |
| Apr. 1 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Inquiry as to nonregistration of Peruvians, and comment that negotiations would be greatly delayed by sending Peruvian Commissioner to Washington as Plenipotentiary. |
367 |
| Apr. 1 (40) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) President’s statement that Peru could not accept responsibility for present situation, nor for failure of plebiscite or of good offices, if that should follow; that plebiscite was impossible without improved conditions; and that whole morale and spirit of Peruvian delegation has been broken by the general assumption that plebiscite would be suspended. |
367 |
| Apr. 1 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Proposal for submission to Peru and Chile (text printed) that plenipotentiaries be designated to meet in Washington April 6, that Secretary of State submit basis of adjustment for their consideration, and that, upon acceptance in principle of basis, plebiscite be suspended. (Telegrams transmitting proposal sent also to Chile and Peru.) |
369 |
| Apr. 1 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Peruvian assertion that in failing to participate in registration Peru is complying with U. S. request to suspend, and that she will withdraw unless complete suspension is granted. Indications that Chile will not suspend and is registering 200 voters a day. |
370 |
| Apr. 2 (33) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Explanation of purpose in submitting three-point program of April 1. Instructions to make clear to Peruvian President that suspension during negotiations can be achieved only by agreement between the parties. |
370 |
| Apr. 3 (58) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Chilean memorandum (text printed) accepting three-point program proposed April 1, and designating Chilean Ambassador at Washington as Plenipotentiary. |
371 |
| Apr. 4 (44) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian memorandum (text printed) accepting three-point program and designating Peruvian Ambassador at Washington as Plenipotentiary. |
371 |
| Apr. 6 (60) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Foreign Office statement to press, April 5 (text printed), that proceeding under good offices is limited to differences between Chile and Peru, arrangement with Bolivia being subject of conversations between Bolivia and the Chilean Minister at La Paz. |
372 |
| Apr. 6 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Secretary’s formal statement made at first meeting of Plenipotentiaries (substance printed) suggesting as a basis for adjustment an equitable division of territory in dispute and suspension of plebiscitary proceedings pending an agreement. |
373 |
| Apr. 10 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Request for views as to whether, if registration be extended to allow Peru full 30 days, she would be in position to proceed with registration. |
374 |
| Apr. 10 (43) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Message from Lassiter (text printed) reporting Edwards’ remarks, upon return as Commissioner, concerning Chile’s continued desire for plebiscite. Conversation with Chilean Ambassador (substance printed) in which Secretary asserted that Edwards was first to propose adjustment outside the plebiscite, and Ambassador agreed to urge Chilean Government to make a definite proposition. |
374 |
| Apr. 11 (44) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Assurance that there is no basis for any assumption of breakdown in negotiations and that Secretary intends to exhaust every possibility of settlement before allowing negotiations to fail. |
375 |
| Apr. 11 (67) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Formula for presentation to Plenipotentiaries (text printed) suggesting that, in view of unwillingness to agree to equitable division, the parties consider advisability of either (1) a grant of independent nationality to inhabitants of area (neutralization) or (2) cession to Bolivia. |
376 |
| Apr. 11 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Opinion that Peru, if told to proceed without cancelation of registration, would withdraw. Suggestion that Chile be offered choice of either neutralizing territory during plebiscite or recognizing that plebiscite must be terminated with blame for its frustration placed upon her. |
377 |
| Apr. 12 (45) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Instructions to ascertain whether Foreign Minister would be willing for Secretary to present to Plenipotentiaries a proposal involving Bolivia. (Similar telegram sent to Ambassador in Peru.) |
378 |
| Apr. 12 (46) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Secretary’s intention of framing proposal along line suggested in Ambassador’s telegram No. 67, April 11, should he receive favorable reply to telegram No. 45, April 12. |
379 |
| Apr. 12 (69) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Foreign Minister’s desire for cession of entire province to Bolivia. Ambassador’s opinion that it would be unwise for Secretary to propose cession, and that if Chile and Peru do not propose it, plan in alternative form, as suggested in telegram No. 67, April 11, be advanced. |
379 |
| Apr. 13 (43) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to ascertain whether Peruvian President’s speech of April 9 has been reported correctly and what are real intentions as to Peruvian-Bolivian alliance. |
380 |
| Apr. 13 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Information that Department’s instructions of March 22 to demand reforms by Chile were not carried out because of later instructions to maintain status quo; offer to forward outline of demands necessary to be made in order to hold plebiscite. |
380 |
| Apr. 14 (71) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Press editorial ridiculing plan of independence and neutralization. The Ambassador’s opinion that United States should present this plan only in alternative form, and then only if authorship be ascribed to Edwards. |
381 |
| Apr. 15 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to report on particular respects in which Chile has defaulted in meeting Commission demands, using for a guide questions based upon prerequisites resolution of November 1925. |
382 |
| Apr. 15 (50) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Query whether interview with General Pershing or intimation to press would be preferable method of getting published the facts as to authorship of neutralization proposal. |
384 |
| Apr. 15 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Secretary’s proposal to Plenipotentiaries, April 15 (text printed), incorporating alternative propositions. Acceptance of neutralization proposition by Peru. Query whether discreet suggestion can be made to Edwards to urge Chilean Government also to accept neutralization. |
384 |
| Apr. 15 (44) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Acceptance by Peruvian Plenipotentiary of neutralization proposition as basis of adjustment. (Similar telegram sent to Ambassador in Chile.) |
385 |
| Apr. 16 (76) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Foreign Office statement published in Chilean press (text printed) deploring press editorial of April 14 and giving facts as to origin of neutralization plan. |
385 |
| Apr. 17 (52) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Secretary’s press statement (text printed) making public full terms of his proposal of April 15 and explaining source of neutralization proposition. |
386 |
| Apr. 17 (78) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Information that neither President nor Foreign Minister is disposed to accept either of alternative propositions, since Chilean Congress insists on a plebiscite. |
387 |
| Apr. 18 (79) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Suggestion that if proposal to cede to Bolivia be not accepted, Secretary try division of territory based upon cession of Arica to Chile, to be at once ceded to Bolivia, and retention of Tacna by Peru; or that, failing in this, award be modified and Tacna and Arica separately be permitted to determine to which nation it shall belong. |
388 |
| Apr. 18 (53) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Peruvian Plenipotentiary’s suggestion of combining alternative propositions, by neutralizing all territory except a strip to be transferred to Bolivia. Instructions to make clear to Chile fact that Peru has not rejected cession proposition. Query whether it would be helpful should Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay join in urging settlement. |
390 |
| Apr. 18 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Statement that Chile’s real default lies not in technical nonfulfillment, although that can be shown, but in deportations of Peruvians and constant campaign of open violence and secret terrorism, and that she is counting on difficulty of securing satisfactory evidence against her. |
390 |
| Apr. 18 (80) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Suggestion of formal memorandum to impress Chile with gravity of situation and shake her confidence in validity of present registration. |
395 |
| Apr. 19 | From the President of Bolivia to President
Coolidge (tel.) Appreciation of suggestion of Secretary of State that Bolivia’s desire for a port be taken into account. Intimation that Bolivia now should be represented in Washington negotiations. |
396 |
| Apr. 19 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Personal message from General Pershing to Edwards (text printed) seeking Commissioner’s influence in solution by neutralization. |
397 |
| Apr. 20 (56) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Instructions discreetly to influence Chile to vote for 30-day extension of registration suggested in a cable from the Secretary to General Lassiter. |
397 |
| Apr. 20 (87) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) View that Bolivia only should be invited to enter negotiations, and then only if Peru and Chile are willing, and that Chilean opposition to good offices, which is based on confidence that plebiscite will not be annulled, must be broken down. |
398 |
| Apr. 21 (58) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Decision that best and safest way to insure continuance of negotiations is by holding plebiscitary process in statu quo rather than by delivering suggested formal memorandum to Chile. |
399 |
| Apr. 21 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Outline of general principles of policy to govern action should good offices fail. |
400 |
| Apr. 21 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Assertion that declaration of Commission, April 20, that no date is now set for election accomplishes maintenance of status quo and renders action on 30-day extension of registration unnecessary. |
401 |
| Apr. 22 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to push extension of registration period, since any new situation, such as lapse of registration without extension, would seriously prejudice, if not defeat, prospects of settlement, and since Chile has now agreed to vote for a 25-day extension, up to and including May 20 or 21. |
402 |
| Apr. 23 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Request that Department withdraw instructions to push extension, since extension will simply strengthen Chile’s position and place American Commissioner in increasingly embarrassing position. |
403 |
| Apr. 23 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Reply from Edwards to General Pershing (text printed), to the effect that Chilean Government is handling political aspects of problem and it is for them to decide the course considered best for the continuing of peace. |
403 |
| Apr. 24 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Judgment that extension will least disturb existing situation and will least prejudice normal progress of good offices. Disappointment regarding state of the evidence bearing upon Chile’s alleged frustration of plebiscite. |
404 |
| Apr. 24 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Assertion that in spite of difficulties in obtaining proof, deportations have been so numerous that large amount of evidence against controlling authority is available. |
407 |
| Apr. 25 (110) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Suggestion that Chile be sounded out on solution embodying (1) cession of Arica to Bolivia; (2) Peruvian consent to Chilean-Bolivian agreement on compensation and economic arrangements, in consideration of restoration of Tacna to Peru; and (3) demilitarization of Morro of Arica and its creation as an international memorial and symbol of peace. |
408 |
| Apr. 26 | From President Coolidge to the President of
Bolivia (tel.) Information that negotiations at Washington are confined to Chile and Peru and that Secretary of State could not appropriately invite other governments to participate. |
409 |
| Apr. 26 (67) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Inquiry whether anything has been said to Bolivian Minister at Santiago which could be interpreted as a U. S. attempt to rupture direct negotiations between Chile and Bolivia. |
409 |
| Apr. 27 (116) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Negative reply to telegram No. 67, April 26. Opinion that if Peru first accepts plan set forth in telegram No. 110, April 25, there will be no difficulty about agreement being reached by Chile and Peru. |
410 |
| Apr. 27 (117) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Opinion of commercial adviser of Chilean Ministry of Commerce that influential Chileans prefer solution by good offices and that Chile would gladly resume direct negotiations, as she fears that refusal to negotiate further may mean loss of opportunity to do so and may throw Bolivia into close commercial relations with Argentina, resulting in outlet to sea through Buenos Aires. |
411 |
| Apr. 27 (68) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Chilean Ambassador’s recommendation to Foreign Minister, on his own responsibility, that Tacna be assigned to Peru and Arica to Bolivia, Peru and Chile each to undertake negotiations with Bolivia as to compensation and commercial advantages, the agreements thus reached to be embodied in final settlement of negotiations under good offices. |
411 |
| Apr. 30 (124) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Statement, in resolution before Chilean Senate, that U. S. Commissioner’s former opinion regarding unfavorable conditions for plebiscite must be considered as having disappeared in the light of his subsequent acts furthering plebiscite. Likelihood that Senate will pass resolution of Foreign Affairs Committee demanding cessation of good offices. |
411 |
| May 1 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Latin
American Affairs Conversation with Chilean Ambassador, in which the Secretary asserted that the statements made by U. S. Commissioner (excerpts printed) in voting upon various resolutions showed that he had reserved his position at all times and had kept a perfectly free hand in the matter. |
412 |
| May 5 (46) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Résumé of considerations affecting present situation, and instructions to endeavor to have Peruvian President accept, in principle, division of the territory. |
416 |
| May 6 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Request for information concerning purported statement by Peru on April 29 that her nonparticipation in electoral functions is in accordance with a U. S. suggestion. |
418 |
| May 7 (141) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Remedial effect upon outlook for diplomatic settlement, occasioned by Ambassador’s note reminding Foreign Office that United States did not conceive idea of good offices, nor was forcing it upon Chile against her will, but that Chile had made initial request in 1925. |
418 |
| May 7 (53) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian President’s willingness to accept, in principle, division of territory; necessity, however, of consulting with congressional leaders before giving definite answer. |
420 |
| May 7 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Attempt to make clear Peru’s attitude toward registration. U. S. Commissioner’s understanding that extension of registration was for purpose of preserving the status quo, and not with any idea that Peru would commit herself to registration in middle of registration period. |
421 |
| May 9 (146) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Ambassador’s new note to Foreign Minister, May 8, expressing regret that erroneous impression as to U. S. motives had been allowed to permeate the masses and calling attention to fact that Chile had been first to suggest and virtually to invite good offices; publication of note in newspapers of May 9. |
422 |
| May 9 (147) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Transmittal of substance of note presented to Foreign Office, May 8. |
424 |
| May 11 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Review of record, showing that it is incomprehensible for Peru to contend that United States has countenanced, or advised or suggested, her abstention from registration. |
426 |
| May 11 (56) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian President’s inability, for reasons of internal politics, to accept division of provinces, even in principle; his point, however, that agreement already made to cede portion of Arica to Bolivia, will effect same result. |
427 |
| May 12 (49) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to obtain Peruvian acceptance, in principle, of plan of Bolivian corridor, with areas to north and south of corridor going respectively to Peru and Chile, details of plan to be worked out by negotiation. |
428 |
| May 12 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Chilean Commissioner’s inquiry as to what situation would be after end of registration period, May 21. |
428 |
| May 12 (151) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Foreign Office statement to press (text printed) repudiating statement of Ministry’s legal counselor that Chilean memorandum in 1925 suggesting good offices had been drafted to head off a similar proceeding instituted by the American Ambassador without the knowledge of the Chilean Government. |
429 |
| May 13 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Belief that, in consideration of certain factors, it does not lie with United States to blame Peru for abstaining from registration. |
430 |
| May 14 (58) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Peruvian memorandum, May 13, accepting “formula for negotiation” to include (1) Peruvian ratification of promise made to Bolivia to grant her in the plebiscitary territory a corridor to the sea, (2) allotment to Chile of the territory south of the corridor, and (3) allotment to Peru of the territory north of the corridor. |
431 |
| May 14 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to maintain strictest reticence as to what situation is apt to be after May 21. |
432 |
| May 15 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Suggested termination resolution for use in Commission in case of abrupt break in negotiations (text printed), with request for views thereon. |
433 |
| May 15 (50) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Query as to whether Peruvian President has confirmed the Secretary’s understanding of proposal as set forth in telegram No. 49, May 12, to the Ambassador in Peru. |
434 |
| May 15 (59) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Reply that understanding of proposal as Secretary stated it in telegram No. 49, May 12, to the Ambassador in Peru is correct. |
435 |
| May 16 (80) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Secretary’s hope of success of his recent direct negotiations with President of Peru. Conversation with Chilean Ambassador in which Secretary pointed out that whole success of plan hinges on bringing about agreement whereby Chile and Peru together shall provide corridor for Bolivia. |
436 |
| May 17 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Report that 15 Peruvians were injured in attacks in Arica May 14. |
437 |
| May 17 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Opinion that expiration of registration period May 21 raises no issue which requires action on that date and that all action that in any way disturbs status quo so far as plebiscite is concerned should be avoided. |
437 |
| May 18 (81) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Chilean Foreign Minister’s misunderstanding of Secretary’s proposal regarding division of territory, as evidenced by Foreign Minister’s telegram to Chilean Ambassador; the Ambassador’s promise to clarify matter by telegraphing to Foreign Minister. |
438 |
| May 21 (83) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Instructions, in view of press reports that Chile will not accept proposal regarding division of territory and that movement is being launched to compel Chile to terminate negotiations and insist on plebiscite, to state orally to Foreign Minister the risks attending insistence on plebiscite. |
439 |
| May 22 (84) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Messages from Chilean Foreign Minister to Chilean Ambassador, May 20 (texts printed), outlining basis on which Chile would negotiate. The Secretary’s interpretation of proposal as nothing more than reiteration of earlier demand for the entire Department of Arica with its present boundaries and settlement with Bolivia on her own terms. |
441 |
| May 26 (93) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Communication for presentation to Foreign Minister (text printed) directing attention to certain considerations suggested by his messages of May 20 and expressing earnest hope for a response of such a nature as to permit the continuance of the Secretary’s good offices. (Footnote: Information that by telegram No. 92, May 26, the Department instructed the Ambassador not to act until he had received both telegrams No. 93 and No. 94.) |
444 |
| May 26 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Report of increasingly unsatisfactory conditions in the provinces and of instances of violence at Tacna. Request for views as to policy to be followed by U. S. Commissioner. |
448 |
| May 26 (94) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Instructions to point out to Foreign Minister the inadvisability of Chile’s attempting to force issue on continuance of plebiscite. |
449 |
| May 27 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to continue to report all instances of violence. Assurance that decisions as to policy will be given as promptly as possible. |
450 |
| May 28 (179) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Decision of Chilean Cabinet that no corridor could be given which would include any part of Arica–La Paz railway. Presentation of Secretary’s memorandum telegraphed May 26. |
450 |
| May 29 (98) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Opinion that probable declaration by U. S. Commissioner that plebiscite is off and Chile is responsible can be prevented only by a prompt decision of Chile to make concession which will permit a settlement and to agree to suspension of plebiscite and withdrawal of costly delegations and personnel. Request for suggestions. |
451 |
| May 30 (182) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Suggestion that action be delayed three more weeks and that statements be made (1) by the Secretary, to the effect that good offices cannot be renewed later if now broken off, and (2) by the Secretary of Commerce, to the effect that reestablishment of Chilean-Peruvian friendship would save nitrate export trade of both countries. |
452 |
| June 1 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to avoid any action by Commission pending definite decisions on Stimson report. (Footnote: Information that Stimson report of June 3, 1926, reviewed evidence submitted by Department and concluded (1) that fair plebiscite cannot now be held in Tacna, (2) that responsibility rests ultimately on Chilean Government, and (3) that attempt to produce a fair election by any further demand for guarantees, short of complete reorganization of local administration of law and order, under neutral authority, would only result in failure.) |
454 |
| June 1 (99) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Surmise that final crisis cannot be delayed beyond current week and may come at any moment. Unwillingness to appeal to Chilean public by issuing first statement suggested; intention, however, of acting on suggestion as to statement to be made by Secretary of Commerce. |
454 |
| June 1 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Doubt of possibility of passing resolution contained in Secretary’s telegram of May 15. Desirability of moving for passage of substitute draft resolution for termination (text printed) at Commission meeting June 5, provided it will not affect negotiations at Washington unfavorably. |
456 |
| June 2 (102) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Secretary’s disposition, expressed in conversation with Chilean Ambassador, to allow U. S. Commissioner to dispose of plebiscite as he thinks best; the Ambassador’s reply that he had recommended that Chilean Government concede Bolivian corridor including railway, but did not know what answer would be made. |
457 |
| June 2 (188) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Foreign Office note (substance printed) replying to Secretary’s memorandum transmitted in telegram No. 93, May 26, and concluding with expression of desire to arrive at equitable solution, which would not be one depriving Chile of rights given by Treaty of Anc6n, by the award, and by manifest desire of great majority of people of the territory. |
458 |
| June 3 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions as to procedure to be followed in Commission meeting June 5, and transmittal of modified form of termination resolution (text printed). |
459 |
| June 3 (103) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Unwillingness of Secretary of Commerce to make statement suggested in telegram No. 182, May 30. |
461 |
| June 4 | Minutes of Meeting of the Plenipotentiaries, Under
the Extension of Good Offices of the Secretary of
State Chilean Ambassador’s criticism that new basis of discussion proposed by Secretary (text printed) is not sufficiently detailed. The Secretary’s observation that it is impossible to arrive anywhere by rejections; his willingness to make more definite proposal if given intimation of what Chile and Peru would agree to. Statements by Chilean and Peruvian Ambassadors that they wished good offices to continue and would telegraph their Governments regarding situation. |
462 |
| June 4 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Résumé of meeting of Plenipotentiaries, June 4. Instructions, if possible, to avoid action in Commission meeting of June 5. |
465 |
| June 4 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Probability that Chilean Commissioner would appeal termination resolution. Intention of U. S. Commissioner to remove American personnel from territory as quickly as possible after passage of resolution. |
466 |
| June 5 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions not to introduce termination resolution in meeting of June 7, in view of rapidly developing sentiment in Chile favoring diplomatic settlement. |
466 |
| June 6 (197) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Belief that majority of both chambers would approve Secretary’s latest plan if Government were to recommend it. |
467 |
| June 7 (105) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Information that vote on Chilean Commissioner’s resolutions for definite action to fix election date, etc., proposed in Commission meeting June 5, has been postponed until June 9, when U. S. Commissioner will probably have to act. Assertion of Alessandri, ex-President of Chile, that no settlement of any kind could ever be put through Chilean Congress. |
468 |
| June 7 (200) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Necessity for postponement beyond June 9, so as to allow time to present to Peru any proposition which may result from conference of Government heads at Santiago. |
470 |
| June 8 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to let termination resolution go over until another meeting, if possible, but, if not, to insure that final record leaves no room for assertion to be made that United States has closed door at a moment when parties are making serious effort constructively to adjust their differences. |
471 |
| June 8 (201) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Opinion that there is no prospect of diplomatic settlement and that U. S. Commissioner should not delay longer in presenting termination resolution. |
473 |
| June 8 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to attempt arrangement for further adjournment of Commission, in view of Chilean Ambassador’s receipt of concrete proposals for settlement reached at meeting in Santiago, and to introduce termination resolution only if issue is crowded to that point by Chilean Commissioner. |
474 |
| June 8 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Disposition, upon further reflection and consideration of latest advices from Santiago, to allow U. S. Commissioner to use own judgment as to introduction of termination resolution unless Chilean Commissioner consents to maintenance of status quo for an agreed period. |
475 |
| June 9 (107) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Meeting of Plenipotentiaries at which Chilean Ambassador presented three proposals based on conclusions reached at meeting in Santiago. |
475 |
| June 9 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Introduction of termination resolution in meeting of Commission; Chilean Commissioner’s request for delay in order that he might refer matter to his Government; agreement by Commission that no publicity should be given to proceedings. |
476 |
| June 10 (108) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Background of action by Plebiscitary Commission, June 9, for Ambassador’s information in case proceedings receive publicity. |
477 |
| June 11 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Feeling in Chilean Embassy that termination resolution is unwarranted public indictment of Chile and that honor will require her to break off negotiations and possibly to break off relations with United States. Instructions to try to adjourn action should Chilean Commissioner propose any way by which passage of resolution would be avoided. |
478 |
| June 11 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Suggestion to intimate to Chilean Ambassador that U. S. Commissioner would support a resolution by Chilean Commissioner to suspend activities during good offices and to postpone action on all motions concerning plebiscite. |
478 |
| June 11 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Countersuggestion that U. S. Commissioner indicate willingness to hold plebiscitary activities in abeyance and to defer action on all pending motions, until the further order of the Commission. |
479 |
| June 11 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Probability that Chile will either (1) vote against termination resolution and take an appeal to the arbitrator, or (2) accept good offices and propose suspension of all plebiscitary activities, or (3) withdraw from Commission. |
479 |
| June 12 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Information that upon request of Chilean Commissioner meeting is being called for June 14. |
480 |
| June 12 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Procedure to be followed, contingent upon decision by Chile to withdraw or to continue to participate in proceedings of Commission. |
480 |
| June 12 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Query as to what action is to be taken by Commission should Chile withdraw. |
481 |
| June 13 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Instructions to adjourn meeting of June 14, should Chile offer any constructive suggestion for adjustment. |
481 |
| June 13 | To the Consul at Arica (tel.) For Lassiter: Further instructions as to procedure to be followed at Commission meeting June 14, including action to be taken should Chile withdraw. |
482 |
| June 14 | From the Consul at Arica (tel.) From Lassiter: Passage, following statements by respective Commissioners, of motion to terminate plebiscitary proceedings; Chilean Commissioner’s announcement that he was now the only legal member, that is, that Peruvian and U. S. Commissioners had voted themselves out of the Commission; adjournment of Commission to June 16; publication of pertinent documents; U. S. Commissioner’s intention to ship records and personnel on boat sailing June 20. (Footnote: Information that by resolution of June 16 the Commission authorized transfer of its records to Washington and the release of personnel.) |
482 |
| June 18 | From the Chilean
Plenipotentiary Instructions of Chilean Government that negotiations under good offices be brought to an end. |
484 |
Renewal of Good Offices by the United States in Regard to the Tacna-Arica Controversy and Rejection by Peru of the Proposed Settlement
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 June 25 (113) | To the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Instructions to find out, in view of fact that Chilean Ambassador has expressed interest in renewal of good offices, whether public opinion in Chile will support a settlement under good offices. |
486 |
| June 26 (222) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Suggestion made to President and Foreign Minister that Chile place before the Secretary a definite proposal which the Congress would be sure to ratify. |
487 |
| July 8 (76) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Report that Chilean Ambassador in Italy will telegraph his Government recommending that Department of State be approached as to a solution by which disputed territory will be ceded to Bolivia with compensations. |
488 |
| July 26 (60) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Résumé of present status of matter, that is, that Chilean-Bolivian negotiations, begun after Chilean termination of good offices, have broken down; that Peru is ready to resume negotiations under U. S. good offices; that Chile has not yet taken definite official step to resume negotiations under good offices; and that Bolivia holds view that solution must be reached through cooperation of Chile and Peru with Bolivia under U. S. good offices. |
489 |
| Oct. 6 (285) | From the Chargé in Chile (tel.) Foreign Minster’s personal desire to show conciliatory spirit; his invitation to American Chargé to review Foreign Office correspondence of last four months and to point out anything unfair or unreasonable; the Chargé’s declination to do this, on ground of not being in position to make suggestions of value. |
489 |
| Oct. 8 (72) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Outline of general situation, for use in seeking statement from Peruvian President on whether or not he wishes speedy and practical termination of question. |
490 |
| Oct. 9 (137) | To the Chargé in Chile (tel.) Approval of Chargé’s declination to review Foreign Office correspondence. Instructions to acquaint Foreign Minister with Department’s views and efforts, and to report concerning governmental and public opinion regarding the several methods of settlement. |
493 |
| Oct. 11 (86) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Request, for use in presenting matter to President, for outline of terms proposed recently to Peruvian counsel in Washington and of terms which might be acceptable to Chile. Inquiry whether matter should be pressed at a time when question of ratification of Peruvian-Colombian boundary treaty is at critical stage. |
494 |
| Oct. 13 (74) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Indications that Chilean representatives at Washington might recommend to Chilean Government such a plan as Secretary proposed recently to Peruvian counsel (text printed). Opinion that there should be no delay in presenting matter to Peruvian President. Request for suggestions as to possible sale by Chile and Peru of their rights in disputed territory and as to compensation Bolivia should accord. |
495 |
| Oct. 16 (87) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Conversation in which Peruvian President expressed preference for neutralization of territory and said that Peru would never consent to cession of city of Arica to Chile. The Ambassador’s opinion that Bolivia should pay not less than 15 million gold for free port at Arica and railroad corridor to Pacific. |
497 |
| Oct. 19 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Latin
American Affairs Suggested plan of former Secretary of State Hughes for drafting a proposal to Chile and Peru for sale of Tacna and Arica to Bolivia. |
499 |
| Nov. 3 | From the Peruvian Embassy Statement, in response to plan proposed to Peruvian counsel, that Peru desires in all sincerity to settle controversy and will cooperate to that end, with one unalterable reservation, i. e., she will not consider any proposal that would give to another power the city, port, and Morro of Arica. |
500 |
| Nov. 4 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Latin
American Affairs Conversation with Peruvian Ambassador and others concerning Peruvian memorandum of November 3; the Secretary’s statement that as it appeared impossible to reach any solution by further conversations he was now considering making a definite proposal of his own. |
502 |
| Nov. 6 | From the Peruvian Embassy Information that reservation in Peruvian memorandum of November 3 does not exclude possibility of settlement contemplating cession to Bolivia of a corridor to the sea, nor modify Peru’s acceptance of proposal of total neutralization, nor change Peru’s readiness to consider any other solution not inconsistent with the aforementioned reservation. |
504 |
| Nov. 30 (84) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Memorandum for Peru (text printed) outlining a plan for cession of disputed territory to Bolivia, subject to appropriate guaranties and compensation, with provisos that the Morro of Arica be reserved from the transfer and internationalized as a memorial to the valor of Chile and Peru; that suitable treaties of friendship be entered into between Chile and Peru; that the territory be perpetually demilitarized; and that the city of Arica be made forever a free port. (Footnotes: Similar telegram sent to Chile as Department’s No. 158; circular telegram in the same sense sent to all Missions in South America, November 30, 11 a.m.) |
504 |
| Nov. 30 (338) | From the Chargé in Chile (tel.) Foreign Minister’s thanks, upon receipt of U. S. memorandum of November 30, for Secretary’s generous and unselfish interest; the Chargé’s surmise, from informal remarks, that officials favor some such solution as suggested. |
509 |
| Nov. 30 (100) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Presentation of U. S. memorandum of November 30, to Foreign Minister at 12:55 and to President at 1:10. |
510 |
| Dec. 3 (78) | From the Minister in Bolivia (tel.) Bolivian note, December 2 (text printed), accepting solution proposed in U. S. memorandum of November 30 and pledging every effort to arrive at an agreement with Chile and Peru by means of U. S. good offices. |
510 |
| Dec. 4 | Memorandum of the Chilean
Government Agreement to consider, in principle, the proposal outlined in U. S. memorandum of November 30. |
512 |
| Dec. 7 (88) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to urge Peruvian President to accept U. S. proposal, thereby opening road to final settlement. |
515 |
| Dec. 7 | To the Ambassador in Argentina, the Ambassador in
Brazil, and the Minister in Uruguay (cir.
tel.) Request for representations by Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay urging Peruvian acceptance of U. S. proposal. |
516 |
| Dec. 9 (68) | From the Minister in Uruguay (tel.) Report that Uruguay is consulting Argentina as to representations to be made to Peru, and that Argentine Minister to Uruguay believes representations should be either joint or identic. |
517 |
| Dec. 9 (95) | From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Brazilian decision that representations at this time would not serve main purpose, in view of sharp political crisis created in Peru by U. S. memorandum. |
517 |
| Dec. 9 (96) | From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Information that Argentina is consulting Brazil, although believing that even concerted diplomatic action will be too late, inasmuch as Peru’s refusal is expected within 48 hours. |
518 |
| Dec. 11 | To the Peruvian Ambassador Opinion, in reply to Peruvian memorandum of December 3 (text printed), that U. S. proposal as made November 30 will secure every possible protection to the interests of the inhabitants of the provinces that is possible in the circumstances. |
518 |
| Dec. 15 (98) | From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Brazilian reply to Argentina, expressing view that intervention in Peru is inopportune at present moment. |
519 |
| 1927 Jan. 12 | Memorandum of the Peruvian
Government Peruvian refusal of U. S. proposal, on grounds that controversies of the nature of that of Tacna-Arica are limited in scope to the contending nations; that as plebiscite has not been held, the provinces continue to be Peruvian; that by cession to Bolivia the honor and dignity of Peru would be irretrievably outraged; and that Peru cannot accept a solution which carries with it the forsaking of its citizens in the provinces. |
520 |
Boundary Disputes
bolivia and paraguay
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Mar. 3 (51) | From the Minister in Paraguay Conversation in which Foreign Minister asked if United States would consider acting as arbitrator in Bolivian-Paraguayan boundary dispute; the American Minister’s avoidance of reply, by suggesting that since both countries are members of League of Nations, ground for adjustment ought to be there. |
531 |
| Apr. 5 (6) | To the Minister in Paraguay (tel.) Instructions to make no further suggestions regarding intervention of League of Nations. |
532 |
| Sept. 10 (144) | From the Minister in Paraguay Report of Foreign Minister’s continued desire for U. S. good offices, despite opposition of Bolivia. |
532 |
| Dec. 7 (203) | From the Minister in Paraguay Information that Paraguayan note requesting U. S. interest in boundary limits controversy is being prepared. (Footnote: Information that no note of nature contemplated was delivered.) |
533 |
colombia and peru
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 June 16 (53) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to take up with Peruvian President the fact that failure to ratify Peruvian-Colombian boundary treaty of March 24, 1922, is holding up Colombia’s conclusion of the boundary treaty with Brazil, which is provided in procès-verbal of March 4, 1925, between Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. |
534 |
| June 18 (66) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Information that hostile attitude of Congress and bitter opposition to treaty in Department of Loreto constitute serious obstacles to ratification. Opinion that further action would be inexpedient before Congress reconvenes the last of July. |
535 |
| June 19 (54) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Agreement with opinion expressed in telegram No. 66, June 18. |
536 |
| July 5 (54) | From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Information that Brazilian Foreign Minister and Colombian Minister in Brazil consider time favorable for renewing representations to Peruvian Government regarding ratification of treaty. |
536 |
| July 14 (38) | To the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Peruvian President’s intention to urge ratification as soon as Congress convenes. Secretary’s suggestion that it would be helpful if Brazil also would make known to Peruvian President her desire that treaty be ratified. |
536 |
| Aug. 5 (40) | To the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Peruvian President’s assurance that he will use all his influence to obtain ratification. Suggestion of U. S. Ambassador in Peru that Brazil renew representations. |
537 |
| Aug. 19 (61) | From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Telegram from Brazilian Chargé in Peru stating that Peruvian President has promised ratification within the next few weeks. |
537 |
| Sept. 29 (70) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions, in view of two-month delay in ratification, to make further representations and to suggest similar action to diplomatic representatives in Lima of Brazil and Colombia. |
537 |
| Oct. 2 (84) | From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Compliance with instructions contained in telegram No. 70, September 29, and intention to renew representations after allowing short time for developments in Congress. Belief that outcome is uncertain, considering adverse sentiment in Congress and among Peruvians generally. |
538 |
| Oct. 4 (71) | To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Secretary’s declaration that he is leaving whole matter to Ambassador’s discretion. |
539 |
costa rica and panama
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Feb. 4 (8) | To the Chargé in Panama (tel.) Note for Panaman Government (text printed) reviewing negotiations for settlement of Costa Rican-Panaman boundary dispute and inquiring whether Panama would accept the Costa Rican proposal of December 17, 1925 (text printed). Instructions to endeavor to have proposal accepted by Panama. |
539 |
| Aug. 10 (1125) | From the Minister in Panama Panaman note, August 7 (text printed), regretting inacceptability of Costa Rican proposal. |
542 |
dominican republic and haiti
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Mar. 4 (105) | From the Minister in the Dominican
Republic Report of informal conversations between Haitian Minister and Dominican Government, with view of settling boundary controversy; probability that, following presidential elections in Haiti, settlement may be effected by adoption of slightly modified “American line” of 1912. |
543 |
| June 16 | Memorandum by Mr. Orme Wilson of the Division of
Latin American Affairs Department’s feeling, expressed to Dominican Minister, that presence of Haitian President in Washington is favorable for using informal good offices of United States in reaching settlement; the Minister’s hesitant promise to refer matter to his Government. |
544 |
| June 17 | Memorandum by Mr. Orme Wilson of the Division of
Latin American Affairs Decision of Dominican Minister not to cable his Government, but to discuss matter with President on his early return to Santo Domingo. |
545 |
| Nov. 30 (348) | From the Minister in the Dominican
Republic Memorandum of a conversation with the Haitian Minister in the Dominican Republic, November 29 (text printed), in which the Minister expressed opinion that matter could now be settled by direct negotiations, the first move to take the form of a visit to Santo Domingo by the Haitian President. |
546 |
| Dec. 18 (125) | To the Minister in the Dominican
Republic Authorization to take whatever steps are considered useful in promoting early settlement, keeping in mind American Government’s preference for direct negotiations without resort to arbitration. |
547 |
Privileges and Immunities of Persons Belonging to Foreign Diplomatic Missions in the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 May 18 | From the German Ambassador Request for a compilation of the provisions of U. S. law relating to the privileges and immunities of persons belonging to diplomatic missions. |
547 |
| July 16 | To the German Chargé Provisions of sections 4062 to 4065 of the Revised Statutes and other acts pertaining to diplomatic privileges and immunities. |
548 |
| July 27 | To the German Chargé Concurrence in modification of a sentence in note of July 16, in order to answer specific inquiries made by the Secretary of the German Embassy, and to show that persons belonging to foreign missions in the United States are entitled to exemption from the civil and criminal jurisdiction of all the courts. |
552 |
Rulings by the Department of State With Regard to Presumption of Expatriation of Naturalized Citizens in Certain Cases
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Jan. 8 (Dip. Ser. 457) | To American Diplomatic and Consular
Officers Department ruling that the presumption of expatriation of a naturalized American citizen after 2 years’ residence in the country from which he came, or 5 years’ residence in any other foreign state, does not arise against a person born in Great Britain and who is residing in a self-governing Dominion of the Empire until he has resided therein for 5 years; application of the same rule to persons born in a self-governing Dominion and resident in Great Britain or in another self-governing Dominion. |
553 |
| Mar. 17 (2121) | From the Consul at Beirut Inquiry whether persons born in one part of the former Ottoman Empire and residing in a locality now independent of Turkey and other than the place of their birth, should be considered as residing in the foreign state from which they came. |
553 |
| May 4 | To the Consul at Beirut Ruling that it was the intent of Congress that presumption of expatriation arises after residence of 2 years in the territory in which the person originally had his home, even though a change in sovereignty has occurred; and, conversely, that presumption of expatriation does not arise for 5 years in cases where a naturalized citizen takes up residence in a country which, as defined by present boundaries, is not the original home country of such person, but was formerly a part of the country from another district of which he came. |
554 |
Reply by the Department of State to Questionnaires on International Law Submitted by the League of Nations
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Oct. 12 (64) | To the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Communication for Secretary General (text printed) expressing views concerning questionnaires submitted by the League on: Nationality, territorial waters, diplomatic privileges and immunities, responsibility of states for damage done in their territories to the person or property of foreigners, procedure of international conferences and procedure for the conclusion and drafting of treaties, piracy, and exploitation of the products of the sea. |
555 |
AFGHANISTAN
Proposal for the Establishment of Diplomatic and Consular Representation Between the United States and Afghanistan
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Nov. 4 (5671) | From the Ambassador in France Request for instructions regarding reply to be made to Afghan note of October 30, expressing desire to establish diplomatic relations with United States and enclosing a draft treaty of friendship (texts printed). |
557 |
| 1926 Jan. 26 (1839) | To the Ambassador in France Transmittal of reply for Afghan Minister (text printed) expressing U. S. appreciation of friendly sentiments and promising careful consideration of draft treaty. Instructions to forward a report of the conversations referred to in Afghan note as having taken place between the American Ambassador and the Afghan Minister in France on July 15 and October 28, 1925. (Footnote: Information that in his despatch No. 6078, February 20, 1926, the Ambassador reported that the first conversation occurred on June 19, 1925, and not on July 15.) |
559 |
ARGENTINA
Request to the Argentine Government That American Arms Manufacturers Be Given the Same Consideration as Those of Other Nations
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Mar. 1 (11) | To the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Instructions, should opportunity offer, to inform Argentine commission in Brussels of Ambassador’s interest in assuring to American manufacturers fair consideration with regard to any contracts the commission may consider placing. |
561 |
| Mar. 1 (12) | To the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Instructions, should opportunity offer, to inform Argentine Government of U. S. trust that Americans competing for arms contracts will receive the same consideration as that given to nationals of other countries. |
561 |
| Mar. 4 (16) | From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Discussion in which Foreign Minister authorized statement that Argentina will disregard all influences brought to bear and that no decision will be made until commission returns and makes its report. |
562 |
| Mar. 5 (18) | From the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Information that no decision will be made until subcommittee of experts has been sent to United States to test products of company there. |
562 |
BOLIVIA
Representations by the United States to Bolivia Regarding Petroleum Concessions Containing Clauses Discriminating Against American Citizens
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1924 Oct. 3 (576) | From the Minister in Bolivia Transmittal of clause (text printed) inserted in petroleum concessions granted to Bolivian citizens, which apparently is not only a discrimination against American citizens but is in direct violation of the treaty of friendship of 1858. |
564 |
| 1925 Jan. 3 (2) | To the Minister in Bolivia (tel.) Aide-mémoire for Foreign Office (text printed) quoting discriminatory clause and expressing confidence that such steps will be taken as will insure to American citizens equal opportunity with citizens of other nations in the matter of investments in Bolivia. |
565 |
| May 9 (15) | To the Minister in Bolivia (tel.) Note for Foreign Office (text printed) making further representations concerning discriminatory clause and expressing hope that Government will take early action to modify or suspend the provision in question. |
566 |
| 1926 Feb. 11 (220) | To the Minister in Bolivia Instructions discreetly to seek official assurance, if not already given, that Bolivian Government will not insert discriminatory clause in future concessions. |
567 |
| Mar. 15 (1010) | From the Minister in Bolivia Foreign Minister’s reassurance that clause would not again appear in decrees granting oil concessions. |
567 |
BRAZIL
Proposed Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights Between the United States and Brazil
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Aug. 21 (1162) | To the Ambassador in Brazil Instructions to inquire whether Brazil would be agreeable to negotiation with the United States of a treaty for unconditional most-favored-nation treatment in customs matters. |
569 |
| Sept. 18 (2652) | From the Chargé in Brazil Report of conversations with Foreign Minister and others in the interest of a treaty. (Footnote: Information that in instruction No. 1173, October 1, the Department transmitted to the Chargé a draft of the proposed treaty, but that the negotiations did not result in the signing of any treaty.) |
572 |
Renewal of Contract for American Naval Mission to Brazil, Signed November 6, 1922
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 June 30 | To the Brazilian Ambassador U. S. consent to renewal of contract for American naval mission to Brazil for a period of four years from date of expiration of present contract on November 6, 1926, the renewal to be accomplished by an exchange of notes. |
574 |
| July 6 (26) | From the Brazilian Ambassador Declaration accepting renewal of the contract by exchange of notes. |
574 |
| July 6 | To the Brazilian Ambassador Declaration that exchange of notes validly accomplishes the renewal of the contract. |
575 |
Proposals To Stimulate the Production of Rubber in the Amazon Valley
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Dec. 19 (72) | To the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Inquiries to be made of Brazilian Government, in interest of U. S. rubber manufacturers, as to whether organization to stimulate rubber production in Amazon Valley would be welcomed, and whether assurances would be given that export duties would not be advanced and that free production and exportation of rubber would not be restricted. |
575 |
| Dec. 22 (82) | From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Affirmative replies of Minister of Agriculture in response to inquiries; proviso, however, that assurances must be secured from interested State governments as to nonincrease in export duties. |
576 |
| 1926 Jan. 18 (3) | From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Receipt of communication from Minister of Agriculture, January 16, welcoming American cooperation and repeating same assurances as those reported in telegram No. 82, December 22. |
577 |
| Jan. 25 (6) | From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Transmittal by Minister of Agriculture of telegrams from Governors of States of Para and Amazonas agreeing to nonincrease in export duties on rubber. |
577 |
CANADA
Approval by the United States of Proposal by the British Government for the Appointment of a Canadian Minister at Washington
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Nov. 19 (723) | From the British Chargé British proposal for the appointment of a Canadian Minister at Washington who would take charge of all affairs relating to Canada and who would be entirely responsible to the Canadian Government. |
578 |
| Nov. 20 | To the British Chargé Acceptability to United States of proposal for appointment of a Canadian Minister at Washington in accordance with the arrangements as outlined in British note. |
579 |
| Dec. 3 (764) | From the British Chargé Appointment of the Honorable Vincent Massey as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to represent the interests of the Dominion of Canada in the United States. |
579 |
| Dec. 4 | To the British Chargé Reiteration of former verbal assurance that Mr. Massey’s appointment will be entirely agreeable to the United States. |
580 |
Continued Protests by the Canadian Government Against Increased Diversion of the Waters of the Great Lakes
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Feb. 5 (91) | From the British Ambassador Representations regarding U. S. failure to state in note of November 24, 1925, the considerations which convinced the Secretary of War that the whole abstraction of water from the Great Lakes authorized by his permit of March 3, 1925, is essential to health; regarding Canada’s desire for a statement as to progress made toward diminishing the abstraction; and regarding Canadian apprehension that proposed Illinois-Mississippi waterway construction may be based upon and dependent upon indefinite continuance or even increase of abstraction of water through the Chicago Sanitary District Canal. |
580 |
| Apr. 28 (291) | From the British Chargé Resolution of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, April 7 (text printed), protesting U. S. enactment of any legislation authorizing diversion of water from the Great Lakes at Chicago in disregard of the vital interest of communities bordering the Lakes. |
582 |
| Undated [Rec’d May 1] (299) | From the British Chargé Continued representations that no diversions from the Great Lakes involving transfer of water from a common watershed to another should be effected or confirmed in either country, unless after joint consideration and agreement. |
584 |
| May 18 | To the British Ambassador Information that note of April 28, with resolution, is being transmitted to interested U. S. authorities. |
585 |
| July 26 | To the British Ambassador Information showing that diversion limits were the least that could be made consistent with regard to health; that satisfactory progress toward reduction is being made; that the bill authorizing improvement of the Illinois River has been carried over to the December session of Congress; and that the United States is prepared to discuss all outstanding questions affecting the Great Lakes and their waterways. |
585 |
| Nov. 16 (711) | From the British Chargé Proposal for simultaneous publication in Canada and the United States, December 9, of certain correspondence relative to diversion of water from Lake Michigan by the Sanitary District of Chicago. |
588 |
| Nov. 26 | To the British Chargé Information that proposal to publish correspondence has been referred to authorities concerned and that a reply will be made as soon as possible. |
589 |
| Dec. 7 | To the British Chargé Observation that, in view of altered understanding of the situation, occasioned by the report of the Joint Board of Engineers on the St. Lawrence Waterway Project showing that only a small part of the fall in Lake levels has been due to the Chicago diversion, it would be advisable to suspend publication of the correspondence and to enter upon discussion of question of providing the recommended compensatory works. |
589 |
CHINA
Civil War in North China: International Naval Demonstration at Taku; Overthrow of the Provisional Government of Tuan Chi-jui
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Feb. 18 (81) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Abandonment of office by Premier Hsu and precarious tenure of present Cabinet. |
591 |
| Mar. 2 (107) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram to commander in chief, U. S. Asiatic Fleet (text printed) recommending dispatch of a destroyer to Taku and continuance of ships at Chefoo and Tsingtao. |
592 |
| Mar. 3 (108) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information of grave situation induced by probability of heavy fighting at several points between Kuominchun and allied forces of Wu Pei-fu, Chang Tso-lin, and possibly Sun Ch’uan-fang. |
593 |
| Mar. 4 (109) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram to consul general at Shanghai (text printed) reporting that Shanghai–Tientsin sea route may become dangerous and that Tientsin–Peking train service shortly may be interrupted. Information that U. S. destroyer Preston will proceed to Taku from Shanghai and that Wu–Chang forces have captured several towns. |
593 |
| Mar. 8 (115) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report by destroyer Preston which arrived off Taku on March 7; also report of consul general at Tientsin that position of Chinese cruiser in channel has completely stopped navigation. |
594 |
| Mar. 9 (119) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Intention, in view of report of consul general at Tientsin that port has been completely closed by mining of Taku channel, to propose to representatives of protocol powers a display of international naval force for purpose of enforcing 1901 protocol. |
595 |
| Mar. 10 (57) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of proposed display of international naval force. |
596 |
| Mar. 10 (120) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Senior Minister’s note to Chinese Foreign Minister (text printed) protesting closing of port and demanding its reopening, reserving rights of protocol powers to take action should Chinese Government fail to accomplish this forthwith; his instruction to senior consuls at Tientsin, Mukden, and Tsinanfu (text printed) for notifying Chinese military authorities. |
596 |
| Mar. 12 (123) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram to U. S. naval commander in chief (text printed) requesting cooperation with naval authorities of other powers in notifying Chinese military and naval authorities that, if satisfactory assurances are not given by March 15, measures will be taken to insure safe navigation between Tientsin and the sea. |
598 |
| Mar. 13 (125) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of naval commanders’ request for one day’s delay in notifying Chinese authorities. |
599 |
| Mar. 13 (127) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of firing upon Japanese destroyers by Chinese at Taku, in disregard of previous arrangements for their passage. |
599 |
| Mar. 15 (130) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Identic instructions from Ministers to naval commanders (text printed) as to procedure for delivering notification to Chinese authorities. |
600 |
| Mar. 16 (134) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Identic instructions from Ministers to naval commanders (text printed) stating, in response to information that notification will be delivered March 16 and that noncompliance with it by noon, March 18, may result in use of foreign garrisons, that Ministers would not be prepared to seek authority from their Governments for use of land forces, except as a last resort. |
601 |
| Mar. 18 (137) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that, in view of satisfactory assurances from Chinese authorities, naval authorities are being told that no further action is required in connection with insuring communication between Tientsin and sea. |
602 |
| Mar. 18 (138) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that in demonstrations against demands of protocol powers relative to Taku matter, a number of demonstrators were killed and wounded by Chief Executive Tuan’s bodyguard. |
603 |
| Mar. 19 (67) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Gratification that forceful action was not necessary in maintaining protocol status of Tientsin; belief that, in general, policy should be not to use force of arms to enforce treaty rights unless such action is necessary to protect American lives. |
603 |
| Mar. 22 (143) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that mandate of March 20 directs investigation of March 18 disturbances; that Kuominchun leaders have proposed termination of hostilities and are withdrawing troops; that leaders are being urged by prominent ex-officials to compose their differences; and that Cabinet has resigned. |
604 |
| Mar. 23 (146) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Ministers’ decision against having Legation Guard police any part of Peking, against discussing suggested loan to General Lu Chung-lin in return for protection, and against taking initiative with respect to neutralization of Peking; authorization for support to Chamber of Commerce in any efforts to obtain police force to replace protective force now in control. |
605 |
| Mar. 24 (147) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Advance of Chang and retirement of Kuominchun from Tientsin. Report that Kuominchun leaders are endeavoring to effect a compromise with Chang for establishment in Peking of coalition government excluding Wu. |
606 |
| Mar. 26 (153) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Reports of Chang’s continued advances; of Kuominchun’s establishment of defense line around Peking; and of attempts of ex-officials to mediate between contending factions. |
607 |
| Apr. 3 (164) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Continuance of confused politico-military situation during negotiations among various factions. |
607 |
| Apr. 7 (166) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of continued bombing of Peking; of Senior Minister’s note reminding Chinese Government of responsibilities regarding protection of foreign lives and property; and of secret negotiations which may result in almost any regrouping of factions. |
608 |
| Apr. 10 (170) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Coup d’état, engineered by Lu, by which Tuan has been placed under restraint, ex-President Tsao Kun liberated, and Wu asked to come to Peking to assume charge of situation. |
609 |
| Apr. 12 (171) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Indications that coup was executed without Wu’s consent. Resumption of airplane attacks on city. |
610 |
| Apr. 15 (177) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Indeterminate position of Provisional Government pending outcome of political intrigues and military operations now in progress. |
611 |
| Apr. 15 (178) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Withdrawal of Kuominchun from Peking, police control having been turned over to committee of safety. |
613 |
| Apr. 19 (185) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Continued confusion, resulting from withdrawal of Kuominchun, friction among troops around city, resumption of functions by Tuan and Cabinet, and jealousies concerning administrative appointments. |
613 |
| Apr. 20 (189) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Flight of Tuan from city and cessation of Cabinet’s functions. |
614 |
| Apr. 21 (190) | From the Minister in China (tel.) General information regarding status of politico-military situation, with report that early hostilities may be precipitated between Wu and Chang. |
614 |
| May 4 (201) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Unwillingness of Yen, 1924 Premier, to comply with circular telegram sent by Tsao Kun to 1924 officials, upon his resignation, in favor of 1924 Cabinet. Statement by Wu’s adviser that Yen will consent to early establishment of a regency cabinet government; that Wu and Chang are solidly in accord; and that Wu-Chang alliance is continuing work of eliminating Kuominchun. |
615 |
| May 14 (208) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for authorization to deal with Yen Cabinet on a de facto basis if satisfactory assurances are given as to observance of treaty rights and if other powers decide to act likewise. |
616 |
| May 17 (99) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to deal with Yen Cabinet on a de facto basis. |
617 |
| May 18 (214) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Ministers’ decision to do no more than acknowledge Yen’s identic note of May 15 until after the Cabinet’s actual assumption of office; meantime, that Senior Minister shall intimate to Yen that his Government is expected to assume existing treaty and other international obligations of Chinese Government. |
617 |
Invasion of the Yangtze Valley by the Southern Nationalist Forces and Measures Taken for the Protection of American Interests
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 July 26 (304) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 23: Report that Canton army is advancing rapidly toward Hankow and Wuchang and that General Chiang Kai-shek is expected to leave for Hunan in a few days. |
618 |
| July 30 (311) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 29: Prediction that Hankow and Wuchang will soon be captured; information that General Chiang has left for Hunan. |
618 |
| Aug. 5 (317) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 4: Information as to reinforcements made by Sun Ch’uan-fang and Wu Pei-fu. |
618 |
| Aug. 17 (328) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Changsha: Report announcing arrival of General Chiang and stating that renewal of drive toward Hankow is not unlikely. |
619 |
| Aug. 24 (347) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Summary of telegram, August 23, from Hankow, reporting advances of Cantonese forces, expected arrival of Wu, and concern of Chinese at Hankow lest situation has been permitted to go too far. |
619 |
| Aug. 25 (348) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Reports from Hankow and Changsha of further advances of Cantonese troops. |
619 |
| Aug. 27 (357) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August|26: Arrival of Wu and reinforcements. |
620 |
| Aug. 30 (359) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Repetition, to commander in chief of U. S. Asiatic Fleet, of telegram from consul general, Hankow, August 29 (text printed), reporting that vice consul at Changsha has protested mining of Siang and Yangtze Rivers and that it may become desirable to send American force to Hankow and to convoy American merchantmen. |
620 |
| Aug. 30 (360) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 27: Report of notification by Cantonese authorities that all foreign warships are to be searched at Chenglingki. The Minister’s telegram, August 30 (text printed), instructing consul general at Canton to make representations for cancelation of notification. |
621 |
| Sept. 1 (362) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, August 31: Report that Cantonese troops are near Wuchang; request of Americans that destroyers be sent to Hankow as a precautionary measure. The Minister’s concurrence in suggestion for despatch of destroyers. |
622 |
| Sept. 1 (366) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Report of measures to be taken should trouble result from overcrowding of concessions by refugees. |
622 |
| Sept. 2 (369) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Despatch of two destroyers to Hankow. |
623 |
| Sept. 3 (372) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Report of sustained attack on Wuchang. |
623 |
| Sept. 4 (373) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 3: Reports that Wuchang is still under bombardment, with Wu still holding city. |
623 |
| Sept. 7 (376) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 6: Report of surrender of Hanyang Arsenal, of determination of Wu’s men to make no further resistance, and of discussion of peace terms. |
624 |
| Sept. 8 (379) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of casualties suffered by British in attempting release of two merchantmen illegally detained at Wanhsien; of intimation that attempt may be renewed with larger force to release the vessels. |
624 |
| Sept. 8 (381) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 6 and 7: Reports that Wu has evacuated Hankow, although Wuchang is still holding out. |
625 |
| Sept. 10 (386) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Telegram sent to commander of U. S. Asiatic Fleet (text printed) asking compliance with British request for presence of American gunboat at Chungking should evacuation of British subjects become necessary. |
626 |
| Sept. 11 (388) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Report that instructions have been issued for necessary protection of British subjects at Chungking. |
626 |
| Sept. 11 (391) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Swatow, September 10: Request for instructions concerning regulations issued by Chinese authorities in connection with mining of Swatow Bay. |
626 |
| Sept. 13 (394) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 12: Report that local Cantonese commander has agreed, in response to protests, to issue order forbidding firing on foreign vessels; that conditions in Hankow are improving; and that Wuchang is still holding out. |
627 |
| Sept. 14 (400) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) To Swatow: Instructions to protest regulation requiring one day’s advance notice of arrival of a naval vessel before entering port; and to reserve right of U. S. vessels to leave at night in an emergency, after due notice to authorities. |
627 |
| Sept. 14 (192) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Approval of instructions to Swatow reported in telegram No. 400, September 14. |
628 |
| Sept. 15 (403) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) To Canton: Instructions to request Cantonese authorities to issue appropriate instructions in response to American protest and reservation concerning regulations issued by military commander at Swatow. |
628 |
| Sept. 15 (407) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 14: Consul general’s intention of avoiding any act which might seem to denote recognition of the new regime, whose establishment is taking place only slowly. The Chargé’s approval of consul general’s proposed attitude. |
629 |
| Sept. 15 (408) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) To Chungking: Instructions to extend unofficial good offices to British during temporary absence of British consul. Information that British consul will accompany second British expedition to effect release of vessels still held at Wanhsien. |
630 |
| Sept. 15 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation between the Italian Ambassador and the Secretary, in which the Ambassador inquired as to U. S. attitude toward cooperation with Great Britain in a firmer policy in China; the Secretary’s statement that, while naval forces in Far East have standing instructions to cooperate with friendly powers in protecting life in emergencies, this Government not only did not contemplate joint action, but that there did not seem to be any occasion for it at present. |
630 |
| Sept. 16 (410) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 15: Report that American gunboat Pigeon has been fired upon by Cantonese shore battery off Chenglingki. |
631 |
| Sept. 17 (413) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 16: Report that American volunteer forces and naval units will be withdrawn; that French gunboat has been fired upon at Chenglingki; and that arrangements have been made to send limited food supplies by mail to Americans in Wuchang, where conditions are growing worse. |
631 |
| Sept. 18 (414) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 10: Report that American vessels proceeding past Hanyang have been fired upon; that destroyer Stewart has taken aboard British wounded in Wanhsien attack; that Wuchang is still holding out and negotiations for surrender are still in progress; and that situation of foreigners is becoming increasingly difficult. |
632 |
| Sept. 19 (416) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 18: Report that Wuchang is still resisting, Hankow is quiet, and Cantonese have advanced well into Honan. |
633 |
| Sept. 20 (418) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 19: Reports of firing upon American gunboat Pigeon; of notification from Cantonese commissioner of foreign affairs (text printed) instructing foreign gunboats to withdraw from war zone area; and of notification from commissioner forbidding navigation of Yangtze at night and informing that all vessels will be fired upon if they fail to stop on signal for search during daylight hours. |
633 |
| Sept. 21 (422) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Telegram (text printed) instructing consul general at Hankow to reply to commissioner that United States is willing, temporarily and with due reservation of treaty rights, to allow American commercial ships to comply with regulations if they so desire; on the other hand, however, that directions will not be given to war vessels to comply with any of the regulations, and that Chinese authorities will be responsible for any untoward incidents arising from any effort to enforce the regulations. |
635 |
| Sept. 21 (423) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) To Canton: Instructions to protest vigorously to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs the regulations adopted by commissioner of foreign affairs at Hankow; to request their cancelation; and to state that they appear to be of an entirely provocative character, since obviously the United States could not be expected to comply with them. |
637 |
| Sept. 22 (203) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Approval of Chargé’s instructions, and suggestion that Chinese authorities be informed that American war vessels represent a friendly nation acting strictly within treaty rights and that it is expected that both factions will give them the cooperation to which they are entitled. Query whether British intend to comply as concerns their naval vessels. |
638 |
| Sept. 23 (426) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow: Report that about 70 refugees, mostly British, have arrived at Ichang from Chungking; that attacks on Wuchang continue, peace negotiations having been broken off; and that Wanhsien case has been amicably settled and the two ships released. |
639 |
| Sept. 23 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation in which the Portuguese Minister was informed that the Secretary did not think it necessary for the powers to unite to protect their citizens in China. |
639 |
| Sept. 24 (430) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 23: Report from Chungking that military authorities there may support Chiang; possibility that Ichang authorities may do likewise; that American destroyers have arrived in Hankow; and that Sun is in Kiukiang with 60,000 to 100,000 troops. |
640 |
| Sept. 25 (432) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Telegram from consul general, Hankow, September 22, stating that commissioner of foreign affairs in a note dated September 20 refers to his previous notification regarding withdrawal of naval vessels and states that river below Wuchang and Hanyang was meant, not the river below the whole port of Hankow, because boats anchoring within the boundaries of the concessions will not be endangered by the military operations. |
641 |
| Sept. 29 (438) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Unconfirmed information that British have agreed to stop their war vessels on signal and receive a courtesy visit by a Chinese officer at Chenglingki. |
642 |
| Sept. 30 (439) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, September 28: Report of mining of Yangtze by Cantonese. |
642 |
| Oct. 2 (447) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 1: Report that protest has been filed with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, who declines to admit that regulations restricting navigation on Yangtze are in violation of the treaties. |
643 |
| Oct. 5 (453) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Request for authorization to send American military officer to effect rescue of American missionaries detained at Sianfu. |
643 |
| Oct. 5 (454) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 4: Report of more moderate attitude of Cantonese toward American war vessels. Unofficial reports of success of Sun’s forces and increasingly hazardous position of Cantonese. |
644 |
| Oct. 5 (218) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Authorization for action suggested in telegram No. 453, October 5. |
644 |
| Oct. 7 (459) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 5: Report that protest will be made concerning ban on passage of vessels past Boca Tigris and Whampoa Fort areas at night. |
644 |
| Oct. 8 (461) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 7: Report that Sun’s troops are evacuating Kiukiang; that refugees are being evacuated from Wuchang daily; and that British will land bluejackets at Hankow as a precautionary measure. |
645 |
| Oct. 9 (465) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 8: Report that evacuation of Kiukiang did not reach large proportions and that conditions at Wuchang have been greatly exaggerated. |
645 |
| Oct. 9 (224) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that Red Cross will be disposed to assist at Wuchang in case of necessity. |
646 |
| Oct. 10 (467) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that no action at Wuchang seems required, in view of telegram from consul general, Hankow, October 9 (text printed), stating that terms of surrender of Wuchang are being agreed upon. |
646 |
| Oct. 12 (472) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 11: Report of capture of Wuchang by Cantonese despite fact that agreement for surrender had almost been reached. |
647 |
| Oct. 13 (602) | From the British Chargé Conveyance of British Government’s thanks for action of U.S.S. Stewart in removing British wounded in Wanhsien attack. |
648 |
| Oct. 13 (476) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that American military officer will not proceed to Sianfu unless report that detained missionaries are now safe proves incorrect. |
648 |
| Oct. 15 (481) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 14: Report of firing upon French gunboat, of improved conditions at Wuchang, and of unchanged conditions at Kiukiang. |
649 |
| Oct. 18 (488) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow: Report of firing upon British and American merchantmen. |
649 |
| Oct. 21 (503) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Hankow, October 20: Report that removal of capital from Canton to Wuchang has been approved, and that Sun’s position in Kiukiang area is increasingly difficult. |
650 |
| Nov. 6 (533) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, November 5: Report of capture of Kiukiang on November 4 and of landing of British, Japanese, and American naval units as precautionary measure. |
650 |
| Nov. 8 (584) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, November 6: Report of complete occupation of Kiukiang by Cantonese and of withdrawal of Japanese and American landing forces. |
650 |
| Nov. 29 (834) | From the Minister in China Telegram to the consul at Chungking, November 24 (text printed), agreeing with his view that suspension of sailings of American vessels during disturbed periods is only practicable method of protecting American flag on Upper Yangtze from violation; authorizing him if necessary to warn American shipping companies that U. S. protection may not be expected in cases where vessels are operated during periods when such operation would unduly imperil the vessels themselves, the general interests of American citizens, or the relations between the United States and China. Request for Department’s views with respect to various phases of present situation. |
651 |
| Nov. 29 (585) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, November 27: Report of insistence of Americans in Hankow that more adequate protection be afforded. Information that two American warships were ordered to Hankow November 28. |
655 |
| Nov. 30 (587) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Transmittal to commander in chief of request from consul at Foochow for an American warship (text printed). |
655 |
| Dec. 1 (589) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, November 29: Report that general situation is unimproved although strike against Japanese has been settled; and that British and French naval forces have been landed. |
656 |
| Dec. 1 (591) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, November 30: Report that situation is slightly less tense and that several labor strikes have been settled. |
656 |
| Dec. 1 (592) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that commander in chief has ordered warship to Foochow. |
657 |
| Dec. 4 (596) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, December 3: Report of movements of warships of powers, and hope that arrival of Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs may help in stabilizing situation. |
657 |
| Dec. 7 (601) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, December 6: Report of withdrawal of British and French landing parties, and of general improvement in situation. |
658 |
| Dec. 9 (605) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Résumé of general politico—military situation, with particular reference to conference of Northern leaders at Tientsin for purpose of formulating united policy and making plans to combat Cantonese, and at which Chang Tso-lin was elected commander in chief of a military coalition under the name of “Ankuochun.” |
658 |
| Dec. 11 (610) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, December 10: Report of arrival of officials of Cantonese Government and the consul general’s intention to call on Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs; further report on strikes. |
659 |
| Dec. 15 (615) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, December 14: Report that declaration of independence of Chekiang is momentarily expected. The Minister’s understanding that Cantonese will not assent to making Chekiang a buffer region, but are determined to occupy it. |
660 |
| Dec. 17 (616) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow: Report of disturbed conditions at Ichang, upon appearance of Kweichow and Cantonese troops in that vicinity. |
660 |
| Dec. 17 (617) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Shanghai, December 16: Report of imminent hostilities between Cantonese and forces of Marshal Sun. |
661 |
| Dec. 17 (622) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, December 16: Report that new Government is getting settled and that general situation locally is clearing. |
661 |
| Dec. 19 (627) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for Department’s views as to possible use of landing force at Shanghai, particularly with reference to understanding as to whether it is to be used for protecting the integrity of the Settlement as well as life and property in event of Cantonese invasion. |
662 |
| Dec. 23 (307) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions that United States is not prepared to use its naval force at Shanghai for purpose of protecting the integrity of the Settlement. |
663 |
| Dec. 28 (642) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request that Department inform powers of decision concerning use of naval force at Shanghai. |
664 |
| Dec. 30 (312) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Query whether it will not be sufficient for Minister to inform his colleagues concerning U. S. attitude. |
664 |
Decision of the United States To Await Developments Before Recognizing Any Faction Claiming To Act With Authority for China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Feb. 27 (93) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Résumé of considerations which, in Minister’s opinion, are motivating British toward early recognition of Canton Government; his view that, while such action might be reconciled with letter of Washington treaty, it would have effect of restoring scramble for spheres of influence and for concessions, and of recommencing the process of partitioning China. |
664 |
| June 16 (248) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that agreement has been made between Chang and Wu whereby Yen “governing cabinet,” which has not yet functioned, shall be replaced by a cabinet to be formed by Wu. |
666 |
| June 26 (257) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Eugene Chen, of Canton Government, now insists upon being addressed as Minister for Foreign Affairs as a condition precedent to dealing with international questions, and has begun to sign certificates of identification; and that American consul general is following British procedure of writing him that use of title is matter of politeness and that recognition is not to be implied therefrom. |
667 |
| July 3 (135) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that, in view of disturbed conditions, it is not necessary that Peking Government appointee sign certificates; instructions tactfully to point out to Canton authorities that certificates signed by a provincial officer, corresponding in rank to commissioners of foreign affairs elsewhere in China, would be acceptable. |
668 |
| July 7 (482) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Article from Canton Gazette of July 5 (text printed) quoting consul general’s letter, June 30, to Chen and Chen’s reply, July 2, setting forth his attitude toward recognition. Consul general’s intention to make no reply to Chen’s letter. |
668 |
| Aug. 12 (324) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information concerning various phases of present governing cabinet’s futility. |
670 |
| Aug. 14 (325) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that, with Tariff Conference in abeyance because of disintegration of governmental entity at Peking, a definite decision must be made as to whether to take a frank and open position that an administration which professes to be Chinese government cannot be dealt with until it has been established as actually representative of all of China and as possessing authority sufficient to carry out its international obligations. |
671 |
| Aug. 14 (326) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Suggested statement (text printed) for use in advising Great Britain and Japan that United States considers that no purpose beneficial to the interests of China or the United States would be served by recognition as a central government of any administration which is not in fact generally representative of the Chinese people and competent to exercise the ordinary functions of government. |
680 |
| Aug. 24 (171) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that it would not be wise for United States to take lead in abandoning Tariff Conference and in giving public notification to China that she has no government. |
682 |
| Sept. 8 (377) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information from Canton that certificates of identification are now being issued under the seal of a special bureau created for issuance of passports for America from Liangkwang. |
683 |
| Oct. 1 (211) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of arrangement for issuance of identification certificates. |
683 |
| Oct. 31 (522) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 30: Report of resolution passed by Kuomintang that Government would not be bound by diplomatic agreements and alliances of Chiang Kai-shek or other military officers if made without the consent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Canton. |
683 |
| Nov. 11 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation in which the Secretary informed the Italian Ambassador that the question of extending recognition to the Canton regime doubtless would be considered if and when that regime obtained control over the greater part of China. |
683 |
| Nov. 17 (556) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, November 14: Interview of consul general with Eugene Chen, in which Chen said that the interests of the powers were not identical, and that from now on China must deal with them separately and not en masse; his intimation that while there might be some excuse for withholding full recognition of Canton regime, the powers should be prepared to accord international status of some sort. |
684 |
| Dec. 18 (625) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry by representative of Chang Tso-lin concerning American attitude on questions of finance and treaty revision should Chang, as leader of Ankuochun, establish at Peking a reform government. |
685 |
| Dec. 18 (626) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, December 17: Statement by Chen that office of Commissioner of Foreign Affairs is being merged into that of Minister for Foreign Affairs, that Canton Government is now national in scope, and that a form must be agreed upon for addressing to him diplomatic correspondence from local American official representative. |
687 |
| 1927 Jan. 14 (28) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for indication of Department’s views concerning recognition of new “Regent Cabinet” which, although dominated by Chang, is a transitory makeshift until he can substitute a cabinet of Fengtien party men. |
688 |
| Jan. 15 (12) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that, in view of development of opposition to Peking factions, direction of events should be awaited before considering recognition of any group or faction claiming that it acts with authority for whole Chinese people. |
688 |
Protection of American Missionary Interests Endangered by Antiforeign Movement in South China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Jan. 5 (4) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s preference for leaving question of elimination or modification of missionary privilege clauses in treaty being prepared by Tariff Conference until it can be dealt with in negotiations for a new commercial treaty with China. |
689 |
| Feb. 2 (63) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that for the present there should be no reduction in destroyers attached to Asiatic Fleet. |
689 |
| Feb. 6 (380) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Suggestions as to measures which might be taken to protect American citizens and property from encroachments by officials of Canton regime, strike pickets, and others. |
690 |
| Feb. 10 (164) | From the American Minister in China to the Chinese
Minister for Foreign Affairs Representations against deplorable state of lawlessness in several provinces, with particular reference to lack of protection of American citizens and their legitimate interests. |
694 |
| Feb. 10 (39) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for information concerning attack by students and Bolshevist sympathizers on an American Presbyterian mission in Kachek, on Hainan Island. |
694 |
| Feb. 11 (71) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report concerning attack, January 31, upon hospital at Kachek, in which American flag was desecrated. |
695 |
| Feb. 26 (92) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, February 23: Request for instructions to insist that Canton authorities give written expression of regret respecting flag incident and issue proclamation at Kachek expressing regret and warning against insulting flag of friendly nations. To Canton: Approval of consul general’s suggestions. |
695 |
| Mar. 1 (101) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report from consul general, Canton, February 28, that destroyer is no longer needed at Hainan Island. |
696 |
| Mar. 1 (103) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, February 26: Information that conditions at Hainan are worse than previously reported. Request for instructions to take strong position with Canton Government; suggestion that a consular officer be sent to Hainan. |
696 |
| Mar. 1 (105) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that consul general at Canton has been informed of Minister’s approval of proposed representations to Canton authorities. |
697 |
| Mar. 1 (50) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of action reported in telegram No. 105, March 1. |
697 |
| Mar. 1 (106) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Regret that there is no consular officer who can be spared to go to Hainan; recommendation that it would be well, in view of unsettled conditions, to bring up to normal standard the personnel of the consulates. |
697 |
| Mar. 13 (126) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, March 10 and 12: Report on failure of local government to protect hospital at Canton against strike pickets; proposal that American staff be re victualed by naval forces, if necessary. To Canton: Approval of consul general’s suggestion regarding revictualing and information that commander has been asked to afford any assistance requested. |
698 |
| Mar. 14 (128) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Recommendation that Department take up with interested missionary organizations the advisability of withdrawing their missionaries from interior of Hainan, in view of impossibility of affording them protection during period of lawlessness. |
699 |
| Mar. 15 (64) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of instructions to Canton as quoted in telegram No. 126, March 13. |
700 |
| Mar. 24 (148) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, March 23: Report that situation at Wuchow and elsewhere continues threatening; and that at Canton Chiang Kai-shek has made arrests of Soviet sympathizers, will have no more Russian advisers, and is being supported by moderates in the government. To Canton, March 22: Answer to inquiry of consul general, March 16, as to use of Navy (text printed), stating that policy is to distinguish between protecting life and protecting property; but, however, that interpretation of policy must be made according to the necessities in each instance. |
700 |
| Mar. 28 (156) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, March 27: Decision by American missionaries to evacuate Wuchow; possibility that it may become necessary to urge all missionaries to evacuate island stations. |
702 |
| Mar. 30 (192) | To the Minister in China Information that action recommended in telegram No. 128, March 14, has been taken. |
702 |
| Apr. 3 | To the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Inquiry whether recent incidents are part of a general antiforeign feeling or are evidences of special hostility against Americans. |
703 |
| Apr. 7 | From the Consul General at Canton (tel.) Information that anti-Christian movement is apparently a general one, Americans being affected primarily probably because their missions are most numerous. |
703 |
| Apr. 14 (422) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Increasing evidences of definite plan by Communists and radical members of Kuomintang to force American missionary institutions in South China to close their doors in order that an excuse may exist for Chinese authorities to seize them. |
703 |
| May 20 (219) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for authority to send Counselor of Legation to Canton and Hongkong to study situation, in order that Minister may have basis for making more confident and intelligent recommendations to Department as to policy to be pursued regarding alarming developments now in progress in South China. |
705 |
| May 21 (104) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of request made in telegram No. 219, May 20. |
707 |
| May 23 (226) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Outline of proposed instructions for Counselor of Legation and others, concerning consultations to be held in connection with Counselor’s trip into South China. |
708 |
| May 26 (107) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s views concerning proposed instructions. (Footnote: Information that Counselor left Peking May 31 and that his arrival at Canton was reported June 12.) |
709 |
| June 8 (614) | From the Minister in China Notes to Foreign Office, April 7 and May 22 (texts printed), protesting the continued ill-treatment of Chinese Christian converts, and American missionaries and their property, with particular reference to missionaries at Waichow and on Hainan Island. |
709 |
| July 7 (275) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Observations, pending opportunity for further reflection upon Counselor’s report, that some alteration must be made in character of U. S. relations, both with so-called Chinese Government, which has dwindled into insignificance, and with component regional units, which in fact are autonomous and which alone have any political vitality. |
712 |
| July 19 (290) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 18: Information that Chinese have taken over hospital at Wuchow. |
712 |
| July 24 (299) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 22: Recommendation that action be taken to clear hospital of Chinese should authorities not agree to evacuate in a reasonable time. |
713 |
| July 26 (149) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions for consul general at Canton to limit efforts toward recovering hospital to negotiation and notification that United States reserves right to claim reimbursement to mission of value of property. |
713 |
| Oct. 1 (441) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, September 28: Information that on September 19 Chinese soldiers vacated hospital; prospect of early reopening, Americans now being in complete possession and labor troubles apparently having been settled with assistance of local authorities. |
714 |
Policy of the United States With Respect to Protection of American Interests During Chinese Boycotts and Strikes at Canton and Tientsin
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Feb. 10 (69) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Discussion with Inspector General of Customs of telegram from Commissioner General of Customs at Canton (text printed) reporting his action in instance of seizure by boycott pickets of import cargoes between ship and shore; concurrence in Inspector General’s view that if Canton local agent supports strikers it will raise direct issue as to right to trade with China under the treaties and in that event will probably involve seizure of the customs by local authorities at Canton and other ports; assurance of readiness to instruct consul general at Canton to join with interested colleagues in protest to local authorities regarding seizures; opinion that naval forces would be warranted in protecting landing of cargo from American vessels to customhouse. |
714 |
| Feb. 11 (40) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of attitude adopted in conversation with Inspector General. |
715 |
| Feb. 20 (471) | From the Minister in China Review of strikes in rug factories at Tientsin; Minister’s commendation of consul general at Tientsin, in letter of February 4 (text printed), for his wise decision in insisting that Chinese authorities decide as to measures to be taken for protecting property of American factories, and in pursuing and urging on American interests a policy of patience, caution, and tolerance. |
715 |
| Apr. 1 (159) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Canton, March 31: Opinion that it would be inexpedient to convoy American oil company shipments from Hongkong to Wuchow, in view of possible reaction against existing relatively favorable U. S. position. |
719 |
| Apr. 15 (176) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Canton: Request for expression of judgment as to whether, in view of new factors presented and particularly of its appearing that in the case of British convoys strike pickets have not brought on conflicts, the facts warrant a reconsideration of the question of expediency of convoy. |
720 |
| Apr. 21 (192) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, April 19: Opinion that convoy should be furnished. To Canton: Approval of convoy. |
721 |
| June 7 (241) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, June 5: Report of Canton Government’s appointment of three delegates to negotiate with Hongkong for settlement of strike; abolition of office of provincial commissioner of foreign affairs; abolition of oil monopoly to take place June 15. |
721 |
| July 24 (300) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 22: Report that upon refusal of British delegates at boycott conference to accede to Chinese demand for cash indemnity, Chinese demanded submission of entire matter to international commission of inquiry. |
722 |
| July 26 (302) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 24: Adjournment of boycott conference and failure of efforts at settlement. |
722 |
| Sept. 2 | From the British Ambassador Inquiry whether, in view of recent outrage on a U. S. citizen, United States wishes to associate itself with British action in instructing naval forces at Canton to seize and disable all boats employed by strike pickets. |
723 |
| Sept. 2 (182) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for report concerning incidents referred to in British note, and for views and comments in regard to the inquiry. |
723 |
| Sept. 4 (374) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of incidents involving American citizens, with particular reference to case of J. W. Banbury, engaged in ferrying passengers to Hongkong steamer; recommendation that commander of South China Patrol be instructed to seize and disable any strike picket boat which attacks American citizens, that Canton regime be notified of instructions, and that British be informed of U. S. position. |
724 |
| Sept. 7 (185) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department view that U. S. policy of protection under normal conditions should not be allowed to encourage Americans under abnormal conditions to involve their Government in questions which would be the care entirely of the British shipping interests involved, and that commander of South China Patrol should be guided by this distinction in efforts to protect Americans. |
726 |
| Sept. 9 | To the British Ambassador Regret that United States cannot become associated in action set forth in note of September 2; belief that standing instructions are sufficient to enable commander of American naval forces to protect lives and property of Americans. |
726 |
| Sept. 14 (399) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Radiogram from U. S. S. Sacramento at Swatow (text printed) stating that after September 11 British discontinued action against strike pickets, and that negotiations concerning removal of boycott are to be resumed. |
727 |
| Sept. 14 (401) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Opinion of commander in chief, Asiatic Fleet (text printed), that it is unnecessary that Navy Department issue new instructions to him to take care of policy outlined in Department’s telegram No. 185, September 7; suggestion, however, that Americans be notified not to use Banbury’s boats, in view of practical difficulties in protecting his boats when carrying Americans and not protecting them at other times. The Minister’s renewal of recommendation made in telegram No. 374, September 4. |
727 |
| Sept. 15 (406) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Swatow, September 13: Resumption of operations at Standard Oil Company, after strike of 7 months’ duration. |
728 |
| Sept. 15 (409) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Opinion that success which has attended British efforts against strike pickets confirms wisdom of adopting a firm policy at Canton. |
729 |
| Sept. 17 (195) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Suggestion that difficulty with regard to Banbury’s boats be overcome by arranging for Navy transportation to any American desiring to board Hongkong steamer at Canton. |
729 |
| Sept. 20 (419) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, September 19: Arrangements by Canton authorities to end boycott before October 10. |
730 |
| Sept. 24 (429) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, September 23: Indications that boycott is ending. |
730 |
| Oct. 12 (471) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 11: Statements by Kuomintang and strike committee declaring boycott ended, but reaffirming intention to carry on economic struggle with renewed vigor. |
731 |
| Oct. 17 (487) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 16: Report that unless situation soon clears up as to moving of British goods and handling of British cargoes, British will have gained nothing from so-called ending of strike boycott. |
731 |
Forced Levies Upon American Business in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 June 14 (624) | From the Minister in China Request for instructions as to whether protest should be made against forced levies by Chinese military leaders upon Chinese agents of American firms doing business in the interior. |
731 |
| July 23 (287) | To the Minister in China Opinion that in a case where levy is made in the name of the company rather than against the Chinese agent in his personal capacity, a protest could properly be made. |
733 |
Continuation of the Embargo on Shipments of Arms to China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Apr. 3 (162) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Conviction that arms embargo of 1919 is wholly ineffective and that refusal to permit sales to some factions, in the face of supply to others by other countries, is tantamount to intervention to their detriment. Request for views as to whether matter should be discussed with colleagues. |
733 |
| Apr. 13 (80) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Preference that Minister refrain from initiating discussion of question, since U. S. lead in revision or discontinuance of embargo might offer seeming justification for charge of favoritism toward one faction against another. |
735 |
| July 30 (309) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that British Government has removed commercial airplanes from arms embargo list. |
735 |
| Aug. 5 (157) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to discuss with colleagues question of possible cancelation of arms embargo. Disposition, if British action can be officially confirmed, to amend regulations to permit commercial plane sales. |
735 |
| Sept. 3 (370) | From the Minister in China (tel.) British instruction to consular officers, July 12 (text printed), removing commercial planes from embargo list. Delay in discussion of cancelation, in view of absence of British officials, with whom it seemed advisable to take up matter first, as only other nationality scrupulously observing embargo. |
736 |
Recommendation of the Minister in China That American Troops Stationed at Tientsin Be Withdrawn
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 April. 29 (562) | From the Minister in China Observation that the situation at Tientsin, in which American forces find themselves in a militarily untenable position, must ultimately be resolved by their withdrawal, if possible in conjunction with forces of other foreign powers; but that such action must be timed with greatest care to avoid further incitement of Chinese nationalistic sentiment against foreign rights and interests. |
736 |
| June 7 | To the Secretory of War Transmittal of copy of despatch No. 562, with request that no action be taken at Tientsin for the present. |
743 |
The Special Conference on the Chinese Customs Tariff
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Jan. 30 (24) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Probability that the powers will be asked to permit the 2½ percent surtax provided by the Washington treaty to become effective immediately, with the provision that the revenue therefrom be made available for the unrestricted use of the Central Government; belief that the powers will not recede from their position that these funds should be impounded for future disposition as agreed by the Conference. |
743 |
| Feb. 1 (11) | To the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of position outlined in telegram No. 24, January 30. |
744 |
| Feb. 22 (25) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Reasons for rejection by powers of two resolutions offered by Chinese delegation; opinion that if surtaxes provided for in Washington treaty are not impounded they will be dissipated. |
744 |
| Mar. 3 (26) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Information that British delegates are inactive; expression to British of attitude that powers should continue efforts to arrive at concord on tariff policy toward China so that if China should go to pieces before a tariff treaty could be ratified, onus of disintegration would not be on powers. |
745 |
| Mar. 3 (12) | To the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of attitude expressed in telegram No. 26, March 3. |
745 |
| Apr. 26 (33) | From the American Delegation (tel.) British suggestion of a public declaration to the effect that further progress is impossible without a Chinese delegation able to speak for the whole country. Belief that such a suggestion is premature and that delegations other than Chinese should continue efforts to implement the Washington treaty and reach agreement regarding interim surtaxes, likin abolition, and debt consolidation. |
745 |
| Apr. 28 (20) | To the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of attitude outlined in telegram No. 33, April 26. |
747 |
| May 5 (66) | To the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Instructions to bring informally to the attention of the Foreign Office the fact that U. S. delegation is prepared to go on with Tariff Conference as far as political conditions will permit and to express hope for continuance of British cooperation. |
748 |
| May 6 (92) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Conversation in which the British Foreign Under Secretary stated that the British position was still under contemplation, but that the program of debt consolidation under foreign control seemed to be inconsistent with the announced policy to release China from foreign interference, and that it was his recollection that in 1923 the present U. S. Minister in China had agreed with him as to its inadmissibility. |
749 |
| May 12 (37) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Draft agreement (text printed) implementing Washington treaty. |
750 |
| May 12 (38) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Recollection of U. S. Minister that the understanding referred to in telegram No. 92, May 6, from the Ambassador in Great Britain, was that the consolidation of unsecured debts might be omitted by the Conference if such consolidation could be previously effected by a refunding operation based upon salt surplus. |
752 |
| May 17 (39) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Request for approval of draft agreement for implementing Washington surtaxes which has now been adopted unanimously by the foreign delegates for reference to their respective Governments. |
753 |
| May 20 (24) | To the American Delegation (tel.) Approval of draft agreement as requested in telegram No. 39, May 17. |
754 |
| May 26 (53) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Conversation in which the Japanese Foreign Minister stated that he expected Conference to continue until a plan was formulated which was sufficiently definite to be presented to the Government of China when one was established, and that he believed other powers also expected Conference to continue. |
754 |
| May 28 (1045) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Conversation with a member of the Foreign Office from which it seems evident that the British will insist that Washington surtaxes be granted before Conference adjourns and that they will not consider favorably any scheme of foreign control of customs revenues for debt consolidation; Foreign Office memorandum (text printed) setting forth British views in detail. |
755 |
| June 10 (43) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that experts have agreed on a draft resolution respecting custodian banks; British suggestion that when a surtax protocol was agreed upon, it should be submitted to the Chinese Government with the understanding that unless that Government is able to give effect to the agreement, the collection of surtaxes will be postponed until the agreement can be carried out; refusal of Japanese to consider draft resolution or British suggestion until they hear from their Government. |
758 |
| June 13 (44) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Statement that British seem to misunderstand purpose of debt consolidation, which is not so much to satisfy China’s foreign creditors as it is to reestablish China’s credit; information that conferences on debt consolidation were continued until British delegates refused longer to sit. (Footnote: Copy transmitted to Ambassador in Great Britain with instructions to bring the contents informally to the attention of the Foreign Office.) |
758 |
| June 19 (123) | To the American Delegation (tel.) British feeling, expressed by former British delegate to the Customs Conference, that the American and Japanese plan for debt consolidation placed too heavy a burden upon China’s customs revenues. |
759 |
| June 28 | From the American Delegation Summary of recent developments in the Customs Conference, with a statement that, in view of the failure of the Chinese Government to form a government with which negotiations can be carried on, it is difficult for the American delegation to take any action in the face of a new Japanese policy of delay. |
760 |
| June 30 (45) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Request for instructions as to which of three possible courses to follow in case Peking authorities agree to a cabinet, in expectation that the powers will then negotiate the protocol implementing the Washington treaty. |
763 |
| July 2 (33) | To the American Delegation (tel.) View of the Department that the whole protocol ought to be put into effect; but that if the British and Japanese do not agree, the delegation should follow the policy of going as far as possible in carrying out the Washington treaty. |
766 |
| July 3 (48) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Opinion that that morning’s meeting marks the close of all possibility of making progress with work of Conference at least until autumn. |
766 |
| July 8 | From the American Delegation Detailed report of the work of the Conference to date. |
767 |
| July 16 (490) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Request for advice as to whether or not to acknowledge a note from the Acting Foreign Minister of the Canton regime, July 14 (text printed), protesting against resumption of Conference. |
844 |
| [July 23] (51) | From the American Delegation (tel.) Information that representative of Peking regime had invited delegates of foreign powers to an informal meeting at which he proposed that Conference resume its work about September 1; adherence by foreign delegations to position that they would be glad to continue as soon as delegates of Chinese Government were in a position to resume discussions; tacit agreement that no meeting would be called for some weeks. |
846 |
| July 24 (298) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Canton, July 24: Instruction to present note to Acting Foreign Minister at Canton (text printed) stating that the interest of the United States is in the welfare of China as a whole, but that the lack of unanimity of Chinese people is disheartening. |
846 |
| July 24 (301) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that the informal conference, July 23, was an attempt to commit the powers to recognition of Peking regime and compel them to accept it as competent to represent China for purposes of the Conference. Advice that the note sent to Acting Foreign Minister of Canton regime was prompted by need to offset any impression of partiality to Peking regime. |
847 |
| July 26 (148) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of action reported in telegram No. 298, July 24. |
849 |
| July 29 (495) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Report that note has been delivered to Acting Foreign Minister at Canton according to instructions in telegram No. 298, July 24; Foreign Minister’s reply, July 28 (text printed), containing threat that Canton regime will adopt drastic measures should the powers resume Tariff Conference and arrange loan for Peking regime. |
849 |
| July 30 (687) | From the Minister in China List of names of plenipotentiary representatives appointed by Peking regime to the Special Customs Conference. |
853 |
| July 31 (499) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Declaration by the Kuomintang against resumption of Conference; belief that Government at Canton is stirring up popular agitation against Conference. |
853 |
| Sept. 17 | From the British Embassy Request for information as to what course U. S. Government intends to pursue in regard to Washington treaty and resumption of general tariff negotiations, and on what footing it proposes to treat with the Canton Government. |
854 |
| Oct. 5 | To the British Embassy Information that the U. S. Government intends to maintain its policy of holding itself in readiness to negotiate with any government representing China as a whole. |
855 |
| Nov. 20 (566) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for instructions as to policy to pursue in case the Peking regime requests the resumption of the Conference; suggestion of alternative courses of action. |
855 |
| Nov. 23 (278) | To the American Delegation (tel.) Opinion that best course might be for the powers to act independently of China to enforce surtaxes on their own nationals; British suggestion that the 2½ percent surtax be granted at once and without reservations, collections to be made through Customs Administration; Department’s belief that the Chinese Government might simply be authorized to collect the surtaxes through the Chinese Maritime Customs. |
859 |
| Nov. 24 (279) | To the American Delegation (tel.) Questions as to present status of Russo-Asiatic Bank and reallocation of customs funds among banks in China. |
860 |
| Nov. 27 (583) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Russo-Asiatic Bank is in process of liquidation and that the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation remains the sole custodian bank, receiving all customs deposits; reasons for fearing any immediate change in status quo. |
860 |
| Dec. 3 (595) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that British statement that the question of debt consolidation wrecked the Conference can be explained only on theory that British Government must have either reversed itself and become unwilling to discuss any plan of debt consolidation or it must have been unwilling to meet the views of other delegations in a spirit of compromise. |
861 |
| Dec. 8 (267) | From the Ambassador in Great Britain (tel.) Conversation between the Counselor of the American Embassy and the Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in which the Under Secretary reviewed the British suggestion that the 2½ percent surtax be granted without reservation. |
863 |
Efforts of the United States and Other Powers To Meet Situation Created by Imposition in China of Taxes in Conflict With Treaty Provisions
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Sept. 29 (535) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Chargé in
China Report that British have been notified that Canton regime intends to levy consumption and production taxes on all merchandise passing through that port. Opinion of British consul general and the Commissioner of Customs that it would be better for the powers to induce the Canton Government to collect the taxes through existing Maritime Customs than for them to make a protest which would simply be ignored. Inclination to agree with these views. |
863 |
| Sept. 30 (440) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, September 27: Information as given in despatch No. 535, September 29. |
866 |
| Oct. 3 (449) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Telegram to U. S. Minister, September 28 (text printed), giving opinion that Canton situation necessitates either decisive international action backed by threat of naval force or the negotiation with the Canton regime of a regional arrangement. Telegram from U. S. Minister, September 30 (text printed), stating belief that the powers should use force to prevent such piecemeal repudiation of treaties, especially since Canton authorities are no longer interested in regional arrangement; suggestion that Department attempt to reach agreement with Japan and Great Britain to prevent, even by force, the levying of the taxes. |
866 |
| Oct. 4 (451) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Indication that the Japanese Government opposes the new taxes and believes that the Washington Conference powers should hold a meeting. |
870 |
| Oct. 5 (217) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Department’s attitude that there is no need for holding discussions with Great Britain and Japan concerning proposed taxes which have been mentioned to British only; instructions to authorize consul general at Canton to express the concern of U. S. Government; instructions also, in case taxes are levied, to protest to Peking Government and authorize consul general to protest to Canton authorities. |
871 |
| Oct. 6 (456) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Telegram from Commissioner of Customs, Canton, October 5, to Acting Inspector General of Customs (text printed), asking for instructions concerning notification by Canton authorities that consumption and production taxes are to become effective October 11; Acting Inspector General’s inquiry as to support Customs could expect from powers in case Canton regime tried to force it to collect the new taxes; request for indication of Department’s policy. |
872 |
| Oct. 8 (545) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Chargé in
China Note from Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs at Canton, October 6 (text printed), containing a translation of mandate issued October 4 (text printed) establishing the taxes and providing for their collection through Ministry of Finance and also containing an indication that cooperation of Customs is desired. |
873 |
| Oct. 8 (462) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Decision by diplomatic representatives at Peking to refer to their Governments the questions of what action the powers should take in reference to tax situation and what reply could be made to the Acting Inspector General of Customs’ inquiry as to the support the Customs could expect from the powers; agreement to ask for instructions before October 11 when it is hoped another meeting may be held; draft formula for protest (text printed). |
875 |
| Oct. 13 (225) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that telegram No. 462, October 8, did not reach Department in time to get reply to Peking before meeting of Legations; request for report on meeting. |
877 |
| Oct. 14 (477) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Statement that meeting did not take place on October 11; information that all Governments except British, Italian, and United States have assented to draft formula for protest. |
877 |
| Oct. 14 (478) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 13: Report that new taxes are now being collected and that all Chinese and some foreigners are paying them. |
878 |
| Oct. 14 (479) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that Chargé lodged protest with Ministry of Foreign Affairs against imposition by Shantung provincial government of a goods tax of 2 percent ad valorem. |
878 |
| Oct. 15 (483) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Senior Minister’s statement that he purposes to await decision of Heads of Legation with regard to the illegal taxation at Canton before taking any steps in regard to the Shantung goods tax. |
878 |
| Oct. 15 (231) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Department’s attitude that instruction No. 217, October 5, gave Chargé sufficient authorization for joining in protest outlined in Chargé’s telegram No. 462, October 8. |
879 |
| Oct. 16 (485) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 14: Report that French and British consuls will take no action in tax situation until they receive instructions from their Governments. Chargé’s intention to instruct consul general at Canton to file protest as authorized in Department’s No. 217, October 5, in case unanimous consent to joint protest has not been obtained by October 20. |
879 |
| Oct. 16 (233) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Approval of action taken as stated in telegram No. 479, October 14. |
880 |
| Oct. 16 (234) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Approval of action proposed in telegram No. 485, October 16. |
880 |
| Oct. 16 (552) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Chargé in
China Despatch from Acting Foreign Minister at Canton, October 11 (text printed), requesting that American merchants be directed to comply with new tax regulations. |
880 |
| Oct. 18 (490) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Request for authorization to instruct consul general at Canton to refuse Acting Foreign Minister’s request for list of luxuries drawn up by Tariff Conference. |
881 |
| Oct. 19 (235) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Approval of recommendation set forth in telegram No. 490, October 18. |
882 |
| Oct. 20 (494) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Résumé of tax situation at Canton as it now stands. |
882 |
| Oct. 20 (495) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that diplomatic body is meeting to consider instructions received by British Minister, in view of which the consul general at Canton has not been instructed to lodge U. S. protest. |
882 |
| Oct. 20 (497) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Recommendation to accept British proposal that a protest be made to the Canton regime containing a hint that if the new taxes were collected by the Customs and guarantees were given that there would be no increase in illegal taxation, the powers would be willing to make an agreement to regularize the situation. Draft formula for protest (text printed). |
883 |
| Oct. 22 (240) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Department’s preference for protest formula given in telegram No. 462, October 8, rather than the one given in telegram No. 497, October 20; instructions to make protest alone if diplomatic body cannot agree. |
885 |
| Oct. 23 (507) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Question as to whether Department’s preference for protest formula set forth in telegram No. 462, October 8, means that Department is unwilling to join in protest as presented in telegram No. 497, October 20. |
886 |
| Oct. 23 (243) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Statement that Department is unwilling to join in protest as set forth in telegram No. 497, October 20. |
886 |
| Oct. 25 (510) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Swatow, October 22: Request for instructions in regard to extension of surtaxes proposed by Swatow local authorities; Chargé’s understanding that Department desires Swatow situation to be covered by protest to Canton. |
886 |
| Oct. 25 (511) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Request for instructions in connection with the new Canton regulations for the examination of the persons, passports, and effects of incoming and outgoing passengers. |
887 |
| Oct. 25 (245) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Department’s assumption that protest against Canton taxes will cover Swatow situation. |
887 |
| Oct. 26 (513) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Telegram from Commissioner of Customs, Canton, to Acting Inspector General of Customs (text printed), stating that existence of Maritime Customs is threatened by independent enforcement of new taxes by Canton officials. Conference with British Minister in which latter urged an immediate exchange of views among British, Japanese, and U. S. Governments in order that decisive action may be taken. |
888 |
| Oct. 27 (249) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Instructions to include in protest regarding new taxes a protest against the regulations for examination of passengers to the extent that they relate to collection of taxes; opinion that there is no objection to reasonable regulations for passport examination. |
890 |
| Oct. 28 (516) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Opinion that the regulations for passport examination should not be excepted from the protest against the new regulations. |
890 |
| Oct. 28 (518) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Request for instructions as to attitude U. S. consular and naval authorities in Canton should adopt toward the boarding of vessels and interference with passengers and goods. |
891 |
| Oct. 29 (519) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 28: Report that stations have been established at Dosing and Holow at which all steamers are required to stop and undergo inspection. |
892 |
| Oct. 29 (520) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Request for instructions concerning a third protest formula agreed upon by the diplomatic body which amends the second formula transmitted in telegram No. 497, October 20. |
892 |
| Oct. 30 (520 bis) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) To Canton, October 29: Authorization to join in protest to Cantonese authorities against visit and search regulations. Telegram from the Commissioner of Customs at Canton to the Inspectorate General, October 29 (text printed), conveying information that boarding of shipping has begun and that Canton authorities have been informed that if practice continues, notification will be given to public that masters or agents can give information concerning ship or cargo only to officials of Maritime Customs. |
893 |
| Oct. 30 (521) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 30: Report of concurrence in protest against inspection regulations. |
894 |
| Nov. 1 (523) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Canton, October 29: Explanation of inspection regulations given by Acting Foreign Minister at Canton. |
894 |
| Nov. 1 (255) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Instructions to file protest set forth in telegram No. 520, October 29, alone if other Legations cannot agree and also to have consul general at Canton file protest including statement that the United States cannot consent to having U. S. vessels visited and searched except as provided for by treaty; instructions to consult with the commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet concerning means of giving protection to U. S. shipping. |
895 |
| Nov. 3 (527) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that joint protest is now being communicated to both the Peking and Canton authorities and that consul general at Canton is being instructed to make individual protest in accordance with Department’s telegram No. 255, November 1. |
896 |
| Nov. 16 (555) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, November 13: Status of visit and search regulations. Minister’s hope that Department will decide upon policy of giving naval protection to U. S. shipping despite disposition of shipowners to acquiesce in regulations. |
897 |
| Nov. 17 (566) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Two notes from the Acting Foreign Minister at Canton (texts printed): (1) To the Portuguese consul general, November 8, returning the joint protest with the statement that relations of the powers with the Cantonese regime are not regulated on a basis which can entitle them to raise questions of treaty violations; (2) to the U. S. consul general, November 13, merely referring him to the reply made November 8 to the Portuguese consul general. |
900 |
| Nov. 19 (272) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s intention to provide protection for U. S. commerce when protection is sought; statement that commander in chief of naval forces should be consulted upon arrangements. |
902 |
| Dec. 2 (594) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for instructions concerning the intention of the Canton Government to levy the illegal taxes at Hankow. Opinion of British Chargé that his Government intends to consent to the taxes if they are collected by the Maritime Customs. Alternative suggestion that the powers might put in operation the Washington surtaxes. |
902 |
| Dec. 4 (598) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Discussion with Inspector General of Customs, British Chargé, and Japanese Minister, in which all except the Japanese Minister agreed that only possible action was for powers to allow the Washington surtaxes to be levied throughout China by whatever authorities happened to have control, with the sole condition that they be collected by the Maritime Customs; agreement of British Chargé and U. S. Minister that each would ask his Government to exert pressure on Japanese Foreign Office. Request for authorization to proceed without delay. |
904 |
| Dec. 4 (287) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Belief that the illegal taxes should be protested regardless of who collects them, in order to have the record clear when the time comes for a discussion with a Chinese Government on the question of tariffs. |
907 |
| Dec. 6 (600) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Intention to assent to procedure for protection of U. S. shipping as outlined in communication from Southern Patrol commander to commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet (text printed). |
907 |
| Dec. 7 (602) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Hope that proposals outlined in telegram No. 598, December 4, will be regarded by Department as compatible with position set forth in its telegram No. 287, December 4. |
908 |
| Dec. 8 (290) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of arrangement outlined in telegram No. 600, December 6. |
908 |
| Dec. 8 (291) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that authority to concur in proposal for granting Washington surtaxes was given in telegram No. 278, November 23; outline of difficulties involved in such a course of action, and conclusion that best course is to file usual protest and await emergence of competent government. (For abstract of telegram No. 278, November 23, see page ci.) |
908 |
| Dec. 9 (607) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Recommendation that authorization be given to accede to the surtax which the Peking Government wishes to levy in place of the famine-relief surtax in order to pay amounts in arrears to the League of Nations and to pay salaries of representatives abroad. |
910 |
| Dec. 9 (606) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that British Government has authorized action to implement Washington surtaxes but intends to compound with Cantonese concerning the illegal surtaxes in case first course of action fails. |
911 |
| Dec. 9 (293) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that U. S. Government will make no objections to levy of surtax for purposes mentioned in telegram No. 607, December 9. |
911 |
| Dec. 11 (611) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for immediate decision concerning authorization to proceed in the matter of the Washington surtaxes. |
911 |
| Dec. 13 (297) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to proceed as suggested in Minister’s telegram No. 598, December 4; preference that the Maritime Customs should decide the question as to which of the parties at each port should receive the revenue collected by the Customs. |
912 |
| Dec. 14 (613) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Question as to whether or not Embassy at Tokyo has been authorized to support plan to have Washington surtaxes implemented. |
912 |
| Dec. 14 (298) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that Embassy at Tokyo has not been authorized to support the plan because it appears from a recent conversation with the Japanese Ambassador that his Government is unwilling to accept the proposal and the Department does not desire that the proposal should be advanced unless the interested Governments all agree. |
913 |
| Dec. 17 (621) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that the advancement of the proposal to grant the Washington surtaxes does not rest with U. S. Government since the British Government is going on with it and intends shortly to present the proposal to the diplomatic body for a vote; request for instructions as to whether to join the British or to side with the Japanese in obstructing the plan. |
914 |
| Dec. 18 (300) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Authorization to vote with the British for the proposal if prior consent of all interested Governments cannot be obtained and it is brought before the diplomatic body for a vote. |
918 |
| Dec. 19 (628) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that, at a meeting of the interested Chiefs of Mission on December 18, the British Chargé presented a statement, the general purport of which is that the powers should grant the Washington surtaxes immediately and unconditionally, accept Chinese “tariff autonomy,” and cease to insist on the strict letter of treaty rights. |
918 |
| Dec. 20 (301) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that a news despatch from Peking has been printed in New York Times which gives the impression that the British attitude toward Washington surtaxes is more liberal than that of United States; suggestion that it might be considered wise to make U. S. attitude public. |
919 |
| Dec. 22 (632) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Assumption that there is no occasion for action suggested in telegram No. 301, December 20, since the larger proposals set forth in the British statement overshadowed the question of granting the Washington surtaxes; belief that the larger proposals may not be wise, but that, since the United States cannot be less liberal, it would be advisable to cooperate with the British. |
919 |
| Dec. 23 (308) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to support British program in conferences of diplomatic body. Statement of intention to make an address soon expressing the willingness of the U. S. Government to negotiate with a government representing China for the purpose of revising existing treaties. |
922 |
| Dec. 23 (816) | From the British Ambassador Telegram from the British Foreign Secretary to the British Minister in China, December 2 (text printed), setting forth the principles which the British Government considers should guide the policy of the Washington treaty powers in China. |
923 |
| Dec. 28 (644) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Advice not to commit the United States to any further concessions than those contemplated in the Washington Conference and the Special Customs Conference. |
929 |
| Dec. 29 | From the Consul General at Hankow (tel.) Indication by Chinese Foreign Minister at Canton that he is anxious that no statement be made by the Department on the subject of the 2½ percent surtaxes until an announcement which he is making is received at Washington; statement that Canton Government is not in favor of British statement. |
929 |
| Dec. 29 (311) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for comments on statement of U. S. position in regard to China as set forth in proposed reply (text printed) to British memorandum of December 23. |
930 |
| Dec. 30 (647) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Hankow, December 28: Information that taxes now being levied at Canton are to be enforced at Hankow from January 1, 1927; request for instructions. To Hankow, December 30: Instructions to make no protest against new taxes pending further instructions in view of the fact that the Department has agreed to British program to put Washington surtaxes into effect unconditionally but does not wish its position to be made public until the powers have reached agreement. |
934 |
| Dec. 31 | From the Chinese Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs
at Hankow (tel.) Protest against British proposal to enforce Washington surtaxes and allow the proceeds therefrom to be paid to the local authorities at each port. |
935 |
| Dec. 31 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Statement by Japanese Ambassador that his Government thought that Washington surtaxes should not be implemented except under conditions as stipulated in Washington treaty; Japanese suggestion that Tariff Conference be resumed informally with representatives of both Chinese factions present. |
936 |
| 1927 Jan. 3 (1) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Request for suggestions concerning reply to British as quoted in Department’s telegram No. 311, December 29; desire to show willingness of this Government to make ample concessions to China while not entirely scrapping Washington treaties and Conference. |
937 |
| Jan. 5 (10) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that draft reply contained in telegram No. 311, December 29, is inadvisable in that it might be interpreted as a competitive protestation of sympathy which actually offered less than the British proposal; belief that best course would be to acquiesce in the British proposal without demur or publicity; draft reply (text printed). |
937 |
Protests by the United States and Other Powers Against Chinese Financial Measures Diverting Revenues From Payment of Foreign Loans in Default
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Mar. 11 (508) | From the Minister in China Notes exchanged between the British, French, and U. S. Ministers and the Chinese Foreign Office, December 12 and 31, 1925, February 10 and March 5, 1926 (texts printed), concerning the default in the Hukuang bond payment. |
940 |
| Mar. 18 (512) | From the Minister in China Information that Chinese Government intends to utilize surplus customs revenues as security for an issue of Treasury notes and is making no provision for meeting unsecured foreign obligations; transmittal of protest made February 6 and reply of Chinese, February 11, to the effect that such utilization “does not concern or hinder foreign creditors” (texts printed). |
944 |
| [Mar. 18] | From the American, British, French, and Japanese
Ministers to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Protest against the issuance of a further internal loan secured upon surplus customs revenues; statement that, since every new lien upon these revenues necessarily postpones the payment of the foreign debt, the Ministers regard as unacceptable the Chinese assertion that foreign creditors are not adversely affected thereby. |
947 |
| [Apr.19] | From the American, British, and French Ministers to
the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Protest against the failure of the Chinese Government to provide funds for the payment of the Hukuang loan; request that the necessary funds be made available from the existing customs revenues. |
948 |
| June 4 (114) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram received by American Group from their representative in Peking (text printed) containing information that Chinese Foreign Office has requested diplomatic body to release to them customs funds to meet internal obligations and that diplomatic body has replied that they do not wish to interfere in disposal of surplus revenue so long as they are assured that funds are available to service such foreign loans as are secured on the customs revenues; request for comments for communication to American Group who consider reply of diplomatic body as a reversal of position. |
948 |
| June 8 (242) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that holders of foreign obligations antedating consolidation of internal loans in 1921 have only a moral and not a legal claim on customs revenues; opinion of Ministers that request of Chinese Government could not have been declined or made conditional upon the satisfaction of such unrelated claims. |
949 |
| June 13 (245) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Inquiry as to whether U. S. Government would be willing to join the British, French, and Japanese in a move to force the Military Governor of Chihli to accept Central Government’s offer of a subsidy by a threat to use military force to prevent his interference in the Salt Administration. |
950 |
| June 15 (120) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that U. S. Government cannot participate in military action for the protection of the salt revenues. |
951 |
| June 22 | From the American Group Information that funds have been received from China for the service of the Hukuang loan and that announcement has been made that coupons from bonds of the German issue which matured June 15, 1920, and June 15, 1925, will be paid. |
952 |
| July 27 (681) | From the Minister in China Report that an agreement has been practically concluded between the Military Governor of Chihli and the Central Government whereby the Military Governor is given a portion of the salt revenue in return for his guarantee not to interfere with its collection. |
952 |
| July 30 (686) | From the Minister in China Review of the administration of the Maritime Customs in China; statement that the powers have and exercise a trusteeship over the whole customs revenue, but in respect to obligations that require only a portion of the whole, and that the powers have stated that they exercise no control over the funds remaining after these obligations have been met. |
953 |
| Aug. 24 (346) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Note to Chinese Foreign Office (text printed) protesting against proposed issuance of new domestic loan bonds secured on surplus customs revenues and insisting that such funds should be used to meet obligations due to American citizens. |
957 |
| Sept. 9 (382) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that a demand is being made that funds from the customs revenues be used to repay a local loan; opinion that compliance with the demand would mean the end of the Customs Administration and a scramble among local leaders for control of revenues of the customhouses. |
959 |
| Sept. 3 (743) | From the Minister in China Note from the British, French, and U. S. representatives to the Chinese Foreign Office, September 1 (text printed), formally demanding that after the charges now being served by the customs revenues have been met, the claims of the bondholders of the Hukuang loan shall be met before any new capital charge is placed upon that revenue. |
960 |
| Oct. 13 | From the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the
American Legation Note from the Ministry of Finance (text printed) reiterating the statement that the issuance of new domestic loan bonds secured on the surplus customs funds would not affect foreign creditors. |
961 |
| Oct. 30 (254) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt of information that Chinese Finance Ministry plans still another domestic loan to be secured on the surplus customs revenues; authorization to make a protest similar to that set forth in telegram No. 346, August 24, if report is true. |
962 |
| Nov. 4 (528) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Opinion that report may be true; statement that protest will be made if the occasion warrants. |
962 |
| Dec. 21 (870) | From the Minister in China Joint memorandum from the American, British, French, and Japanese Ministers to the Chinese Foreign Office, November 20 (text printed), reaffirming their opposition to further hypothecation of customs revenues for floating new internal loans as long as no steps have been taken to make good the defaults in foreign obligations. |
962 |
Disinclination of the United States To Intervene To Prevent Paralyzing of Chinese Customs Service at Hankow by Strike
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Nov. 27 (579) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for instructions as to whether the U. S. Government would be willing to cooperate with other powers in using force if necessary to protect the customhouse at Hankow from striking employees. |
964 |
| Nov. 29 (286) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that the United States has no right to intervene since the Maritime Customs is a Chinese national service. |
966 |
The Commission on Extraterritoriality in China, Provided for by Resolution V of the Washington Conference
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Jan. 5 (6) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information concerning the Commission on Extraterritoriality; suggestion that this information be presented informally to the Chinese Foreign Office. |
966 |
| Jan. 11 (16) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that it is unnecessary to present information contained in Department’s telegram No. 6, January 5, in view of full discussions which have already taken place. |
967 |
| Feb. 27 (96) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Chinese suggestion that Commission be empowered to agree upon procedure for abolition of extraterritoriality. Recommendation that such action not be taken without a formally expressed opinion of the Commissioners; belief that unanimous sentiment is against modification of treaties at present in view of the revolutionary conditions. |
968 |
| Mar. 2 (52) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from Chinese Foreign Office to Chinese Minister, February 26 (text printed), requesting that definite arrangements concerning extraterritoriality be made by the Commission. Secretary’s note to Chinese Minister, March 1 (text printed), replying that he desires to have before him report and recommendations of Commission before considering the request. |
968 |
| Mar. 4 (110) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Recommendation that position set forth in telegram No. 52, March 2, be adhered to until report of the Commission is received. |
970 |
| Mar. 25 (150) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from U. S. Commissioner Strawn (text printed) giving list of matters which the Chinese Commissioner has submitted for the consideration of the Commission. |
970 |
| Mar. 25 (74) | To the Minister in China (tel.) For Strawn: Instructions to make no commitments on the subject but to place no obstacles in the Chinese Commissioner’s way in submitting views or data which his Government may desire to have the Commission consider. |
971 |
| Apr. 16 (10) | From the American Commissioner on Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction in China Report of the activities of the Commission from April 5 to 16; opinion that since the Chinese Government has failed to provide transportation, the Commission should give up idea of tour of inspection and proceed to work on report; American Commissioner’s forecast of general purport of report. |
971 |
| Apr. 30 (11) | From the American Commissioner on Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction in China Report of activities of Commission from April 16 to 30; information that discussion of draft report is going forward while the matter of travel is in abeyance. |
976 |
| May 11 (12) | From the American Commissioner on Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction in China Report of activities of Commission from May 1 to 11; statement that there was a discussion of the outline of the report and recommendation to be made by the Commission and that the tour of inspection was begun May 10. |
977 |
| June 11 (117) | To the Minister in China (tel.) For Strawn: Attitude that Commissioner should make recommendations unhampered as to detail by instructions from Department; desire to give up extraterritoriality within reasonable time. |
978 |
| Sept. 17 (412) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) From Strawn: Summary of the Commission’s report which was signed September 16 by the Commissioners of all the participating powers including China. |
979 |
| Nov. 22 (276) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform Chinese Foreign Office that the U. S. Government proposes to give the report to the press for publication on November 29. |
982 |
| Nov. 27 (580) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion by Chinese Foreign Office, November 26 (text printed), that the recommendations of the Commission be published without the findings upon which they were based. (Footnote: Information that Foreign Office released the recommendations for publication on November 29.) |
983 |
| Nov. 27 (285) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that Department is publishing report on November 29 and that other Governments have been notified. |
983 |
Abrogation by China of the Sino-Belgian Treaty of November 2, 1865
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Aug. 17 (164) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that report has been published stating that China has notified Belgium that abrogation of her commercial treaties and extraterritorial rights will be effective October 29 and stating that treaties of other governments will follow as dates for extension arrive; request for confirmation of report. |
984 |
| Aug. 18 (58) | From the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Confirmation by the Belgian Foreign Office of the fact that China has notified Belgium concerning the abrogation of her treaty although Belgium alone has that right. Foreign Minister’s assertion to Chinese that if modus vivendi is not signed before end of present month, whole treaty matter will be submitted to Court of International Justice; intentions of Belgian Government to ask U. S., British, and possibly French help in obtaining satisfactory modus vivendi. |
984 |
| Aug. 19 (337) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Chinese have assumed right to abrogate Belgian and French treaties and intend to take similar action in regard to a treaty with Japan; assertion that U. S. treaty of 1903 would apparently become subject to revision or termination January 13, 1934. |
985 |
| Aug. 24 (344) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Belgian Government is requesting Washington Conference powers to make collective representations to Chinese Government; suggestion that Secretary reply that such representations will be made only if the Chinese offer unsatisfactory terms for the modus vivendi. |
986 |
| Aug. 25 (585) | From the Ambassador in Belgium Note verbale from the Belgian Foreign Office, August 21 (text printed), requesting the aid of the United States in inducing China to effect an acceptable modus vivendi and enclosing the note which the Belgian Foreign Minister had sent to the Chinese Minister in Belgium August 3 (text printed). |
987 |
| Aug. 27 (356) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that if any action is taken on Belgian request it should be in the form of a protest against China’s violation of Belgian treaty rights. |
990 |
| Sept. 7 (66) | From the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Information that Belgian Foreign Office is dissatisfied with terms of draft modus vivendi presented by the Chinese on September 3. |
990 |
| Sept. 8 (44) | To the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Instructions to advise the Foreign Office informally that the U. S. Government questions the advisability of its taking action requested by the Belgian Government. |
991 |
| Nov. 6 (77) | From the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Statement that the Foreign Office has notified the Chinese Government that the Belgian Government will submit the question of abrogation to the Court of International Justice. |
991 |
| Nov. 9 (535) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that on November 5 the Belgian Minister addressed an aide-mémoire to the Chinese Foreign Office rejecting the Chinese proposal and inviting the Chinese to join in a compromise and submit the matter to the Court of International Justice, to which the Chinese replied on November 6 with a Presidential order abrogating the treaty as of October 27, 1926. |
991 |
| Nov. 9 (536) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Texts of the Belgian Minister’s aide-mémoire of November 5, the Chinese Foreign Office reply of November 6, and the Presidential order of November 6. |
992 |
| Nov. 12 (544) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that it would be unwise for the Washington Conference powers to protest to China; suggestion that Secretary intimate that the United States has no sympathy with the Chinese in the doctrine of international irresponsibility, which doctrine has stood in the way of U. S. recognition of the Russian regime. |
995 |
| Nov. 15 (267) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of opinion concerning protest by the powers; belief that suggested intimation would be unwise. |
998 |
| Nov. 19 (563) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Explanation that intimation was intended as a friendly word of warning to China as she stands at the crossroads where she must choose between a constructive policy and the Soviet policy of tearing up treaties. |
998 |
| Nov. 23 (80) | From the Ambassador in Belgium (tel.) Statement that Chinese Minister submitted a memorandum to the Foreign Office, November 22, refusing to submit the question of the Belgian treaty to the Court of International Justice. Preparation of the Foreign Office to submit it to the Court without China’s acquiescence. (Footnote: Information that on November 25, 1926, the Belgian Government submitted the matter to the Court, but on February 14, 1929, requested that it be struck from the list, as the matter had been settled by a preliminary treaty between Belgium and China, signed November 22, 1928.) |
1001 |
Chinese Protest Against the Adherence of Certain Powers to the Nine-Power Treaty Concerning China, Signed February 6, 1922
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Dec. 23 (589) | From the Ambassador in Germany Foreign Office communication, December 17, 1925 (text printed), declaring that Germany, subject to ratification, adheres to the Nine-Power Treaty. (Footnote: Excerpt from telegram No. 3589, August 19, 1940, from Chargé in Germany: “ratification of the Nine Power Treaty by Germany did not take place and hence Germany did not adhere to that treaty.”) |
1001 |
| 1926 Jan. 9 (11) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Protest of Chinese Minister against Germany’s adherence on the ground that Germany is not a power possessing special treaty rights in China. Secretary’s explanation that the United States had acted according to provisions of article 8 of the treaty in asking Germany to adhere and that treaty was solely for the benefit of China. Information that Chinese Minister reported to his Government along these lines (substance printed). |
1002 |
| Jan. 16 (319) | To the Ambassador in Germany Instructions to ascertain if presumption is correct that Foreign Minister’s statement that Germany’s adherence is subject to ratification means that it must receive approval of the German legislative bodies; opinion that if this is true, the note of December 17 does not constitute complete adherence and does not warrant notification to other signatory powers of Germany’s adherence. |
1003 |
| Jan. 16 | From the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the
American Minister in China Reasons why Chinese Government believes that Germany is not among those nations that may adhere to the treaty; request that these reasons be communicated to the U. S. Government in order that they may be brought to the attention of the German Government and that the invitation may be withdrawn. |
1004 |
| Jan. 20 (21) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform Foreign Minister that in 1925 the United States issued invitations to adhere to the Nine-Power Treaty to certain powers, including Germany; that, since these invitations were issued in accordance with the obligations imposed by article 8 of the treaty, they cannot be withdrawn; and that this Government believes that it is to China’s interest that all the powers having treaty relations with China should subscribe to the principles and policies set forth in this treaty. |
1005 |
| Jan. 22 | From the Chinese Minister Memorandum (text printed) suggesting that invitations issued by the United States to Bolivia, Chile, Persia, Peru, and Switzerland to adhere to the treaty be recalled. |
1007 |
| Jan. 23 (43) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for authorization to include in note conveying the substance of telegram No. 21, January 20, a statement (text printed) containing the intimation that should he make an issue of the situation, the Chinese Foreign Minister might risk alienation of some degree of sympathy on the part of the United States. |
1008 |
| Jan. 25 (29) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Qualified approval of suggestion made in telegram No. 43, January 23. Transmittal of substance of Chinese Minister’s note of January 22. |
1008 |
| Jan. 27 (50) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Suggestion that the Secretary reply by a single note to the Chinese memoranda of January 16 and January 22, in order to avoid any appearance of differences between the Secretary and the American Minister; apprehension that the Chinese may be seeking to develop such differences. Belief that a firm U. S. attitude would prevent Chinese Foreign Minister from making popular issue of situation. |
1009 |
| Feb. 3 (64) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Excerpts from a publication by a news agency close to the Foreign Minister criticizing motives of the United States in inviting Germany to adhere to the treaty. Opinion that, although opportunity to forestall agitation has passed, its development may be arrested by a sufficiently definite refusal by the United States to reconsider its action. |
1010 |
| Feb. 4 (36) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that a note had been prepared covering Germany and all other cases but that the Chinese Minister, upon being informed of its substance, had asked that it not be delivered inasmuch as he was again requesting his Government to withdraw its request. Statement that the note will now be delivered. |
1012 |
| Feb. 6 (66) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Concurrence in Secretary’s proposal to deliver note to Chinese Minister without awaiting further action by him. |
1012 |
| Feb. 6 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Explanation by the Secretary, in conversation with the Chinese Minister, that the note could no longer be withheld since statements had been published in Peking which impugned the motives of the United States. Request by the Minister that he be given until February 8; agreement by the Secretary that note be withheld until then. |
1013 |
| Feb. 6 (760) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report of statement by Chief of Asiatic Division in the Foreign Office that the Nine-Power Treaty would be submitted to the Reichstag for ratification, that he did not know when this would take place, but that he would notify the Ambassador when the Reichstag was approached on the subject. |
1014 |
| Feb. 9 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation between the Secretary and the Chinese Minister in which the Minister read a telegram from his Government dated February 8 (text printed), to the effect that the Chinese Government would not insist that the United States withdraw the invitations; statement by the Secretary that it only remained for the Chinese Government to withdraw the memoranda addressed to the Department and to the American Minister; assertion by Chinese Minister that he had already drafted proposals to that effect for communication to his Government and that he had also drafted a telegram (text printed) which he proposed that the United States should send to the Chinese Government. |
1015 |
| Feb. 23 (46) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Secretary is temporarily withholding Department’s reply at the urgent request of the Chinese Minister who hopes shortly to obtain permission to withdraw note. |
1017 |
| Feb. 25 (91) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Fear that the attitude of the Foreign Minister does not justify the hope of the Chinese Minister. |
1017 |
| Mar. 1 | To the Chinese Minister Acknowledgment of receipt of the Minister’s note of January 22 embodying the Chinese Government’s views in regard to the adherence of non-signatory powers to the Nine-Power Treaty. Transmittal of a memorandum (text printed) setting forth the reasons why the United States cannot act in accordance with the suggestion of the Chinese Government that the United States withdraw the invitations which it had issued to Bolivia, Chile, Germany, Persia, Peru, and Switzerland. |
1018 |
| Mar. 4 (53) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that on February 27 the Chinese Minister stated that his Government had disapproved his proposal to withdraw its notes on the question of adherence to the Nine-Power Treaty. Transmittal of text of Department’s reply to Chinese Minister’s note of January 22 in order that U. S. Minister may make an identical reply to the memorandum of January 16 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
1022 |
| Mar. 8 (117) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Minister has transmitted to the Foreign Office a copy of the Department’s reply of March 1 to the Chinese Minister with the statement that it embodies the reply which the Secretary wished him to make to the Chinese Government’s note of January 16 in regard to Germany and one dated March 4 in regard to Bolivia. |
1023 |
Rendition of the Shanghai Mixed Court to the Kiangsu Provincial Government
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Oct. 8 (197) | From the Minister in China Acknowledgment of the Department’s views that the function of the foreign assessor in the International Mixed Court at Shanghai is the same as in other parts of China; that is, that he merely attends court as the representative of the consul general and is under his instructions. Presentation of arguments advanced in support of the general belief in China that the Mixed Court is the survival of an earlier procedure and that the assessor has a judicial status. Statement that this is brought to the attention of the Department in view of the negotiations now in progress for rendition of the Shanghai Mixed Court to the Chinese authorities. |
1023 |
| Nov. 25 | From the Chinese Minister of Foreign A fairs to the
Senior Minister Proposal concerning the rendition of the Mixed Court and the reorganization of the judicial system in the International Settlement of Shanghai. |
1026 |
| 1926 May 1 (213) | To the Minister in China Department’s opinion that general impression in China as to origin of Mixed Court is incorrect; view that this Government has never regarded American assessors as having judicial status in Chinese courts. |
1027 |
| May 22 (595) | From the Minister in China Report of appointment by the interested Foreign Ministers and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs of commissions to draft an agreement upon terms for the rendition of the Mixed Court; expression of regret that the commissions have been unable to reach an agreement due to the Chinese insistence that the reconstituted court consist partly of a purely Chinese court, which would alter the mode of administration of the International Settlement. |
1029 |
| May 29 (232) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Summary of progress of negotiations for rendition of Mixed Court. |
1030 |
| July 23 (297) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that agreement has been reached upon terms of rendition (substance printed) which now only requires approval of interested Legations; opinion that the proposed agreement is acceptable and will have a salutary effect on Chinese public opinion. |
1031 |
| July 26 (147) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s approval of the agreement for rendition summarized in telegram No. 297, July 23. |
1032 |
| July 30 (308) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Request for approval of proposed courses of action in case the French, Italians, or Norwegians attempt to obstruct rendition or in case the authorities at Peking refuse to ratify the agreement. |
1033 |
| July 31 (151) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Recommendation for modification of proposed course of action in case French attempt to block rendition; approval of other proposals. |
1034 |
| Aug. 14 (327) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report that Ministers are now in agreement except for Italian Minister who awaits instructions; information that Shanghai consular body has been authorized to sign draft agreement outlined in telegram No. 297, July 23, but that actual rendition is to await exchange of notes. |
1034 |
| Sept. 1 (364) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that Chinese have signed rendition agreement and that all consuls concerned have either signed it or promised to do so. Fear that Italian eleventh-hour demands may delay exchange of notes; statement that Italian demands have been referred to Shanghai consuls for settlement. |
1034 |
| Aug. 31 | Provisional Agreement For the rendition of the Shanghai Mixed Court. |
1035 |
| Dec. 27 (641) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Shanghai, December 24: Suggestions as to ways of meeting Italian demands. Belief that Italian Minister is weakening. |
1039 |
| Dec. 29 (645) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Italian Minister has accepted compromise proposals; expectation that rendition can be effected January 1. |
1040 |
| 1927 Jan. 4 (5) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Statement that consul general at Shanghai has reported that rendition of Mixed Court was effected by exchange of notes December 31, 1926, and that first session of Provisional Court will be held January 4. |
1040 |
Continued Support by the United States to the Federal Telegraph Company in Efforts To Obtain Execution of Its Contract With the Chinese Government
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Jan. 7 (9) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Conversation with Japanese Ambassador in which Ambassador urged that U. S. Government give consideration to the Japanese proposal of a consortium arrangement for operation of wireless telegraphy in China under which monopoly claims would be relinquished and control of operations would be placed in the hands of the Chinese Government; Ambassador’s belief that agreement between the Governments of Japan and the United States would help to persuade the Chinese Government to accept proposal. Instruction to Minister to canvass situation in regard to probabilities of Chinese ever fulfilling Federal contract. Request for views on advisability of accepting consortium arrangement. |
1040 |
| Jan. 13 (24) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Opinion that to acquiesce in the proposal for a radio consortium would be a mistake since the Chinese apparently would not agree to it and the only result would be to destroy the American position under the Federal contract; belief that consortium would not be economically sound; recommendation that Department reject the consortium proposal until Japanese are able to give assurances that Chinese have changed their stand on the subject. |
1042 |
| Jan. 14 (25) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Views of Colonel Davis, representative in China of the Radio Corporation of America (text printed), concerning consortium, transmitted for communication to Harbord, president of the Corporation. |
1045 |
| Jan. 16 (28) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt of information that Japan has reasserted her claim to 30-year monopoly by protesting to Chinese Government against transaction of business with France and Germany through other than Japanese wireless stations. |
1047 |
| Jan. 20 (35) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report on conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Janu- 18, in which the Foreign Minister was noncommittal; and on informal conversations with Saburi, head of the Commercial Department of the Japanese Foreign Office. |
1047 |
| Jan. 23 (27) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Department awaits results of informal conversations with Saburi; and that if Japanese Embassy should revive question, the Department will reject consortium proposal. |
1049 |
| Jan. 27 (31) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Receipt of a letter from Harbord in which he adverts to the fact that an agreement has been made by the Minister and the Chinese Foreign Minister for negotiations to take place between the Americans, Japanese, and Chinese and suggests that he extend invitation to representatives of Japanese company and Chinese Ministry of Communications to meet in New York City. Department’s proposal to ask Harbord to come to Washington for consultation. |
1049 |
| Jan. 30 (60) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Concurrence in the Department’s proposal. Belief that there is danger in treating the matter as though negotiations were already in progress between the Radio Corporation and the Japanese. |
1050 |
| Feb. 10 (147) | To the Minister in China Explanation of the status of the negotiations on the subject of the radio situation in China as given to the British Ambassador in answer to the Ambassador’s questions asked during the course of a conversation on February 4. (Footnote: The same, on same date, to the Ambassador in Japan and to the Chargé in Great Britain.) |
1051 |
| Feb. 11 | From Major General James G.
Harbord Acceptance of Secretary’s invitation to come to Washington and hope that the Department will push matter to a conclusion at an early date. |
1052 |
| Mar. 6 (114) | From the Minister in China (tel.) To Tokyo, March 5: Answer to a telegram giving information of recent newspaper comment on the wireless question. |
1053 |
| Mar. 30 (194) | To the Minister in China Conversation with the British Ambassador, March 25, in which the Ambassador said that he thought that if the United States would urge China to enter into the consortium, China would agree. Statement that the Secretary made no promise as to what the U. S. Government would do. (Footnote: The same, on same date, to the Chargé in Great Britain.) |
1054 |
| Apr. 7 (28) | To the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Instructions that the Department prefers that no discussions of the wireless question be initiated at Tokyo at present. |
1054 |
| Apr. 16 (37) | From the Ambassador in Japan (tel.) Refusal to discuss topic of wireless with Japanese Foreign Minister; informal request by Foreign Minister that the U. S. Minister ask the Department if it could not reply to the Japanese memorandum of June 1, 1925. |
1055 |
| Apr. 16 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Inquiry by the Japanese Ambassador as to new developments in the matter of the Federal contract; reply that there were none because of political situation in China and because the U. S. Government yet wanted to know the Chinese reply to the Japanese proposal of a consortium; Ambassador’s statement that no reply had been received and opinion that none would be received until the powers agreed on a proposition. Denial that there is any American opposition to the operation of the Japanese station in China. (Footnote: Copies sent to the Ambassador in Japan and to the Minister in China, April 23.) |
1055 |
| May 14 (96) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Résumé of radio situation in China; consideration of reply to Japanese memorandum of June 1, 1925, to the effect that if the Chinese have no objections to a radio consortium of the Japanese, British, French, and American interests, U. S. Government will not object; intention of Radio Corporation to recall Davis and, failing to bring about definite action within 6 months, to recommend to the Federal Telegraph Company that it declare the Republic of China in default; alternative proposal that Minister notify Chinese that U. S. Government is ready to accept suggestions made by Chinese Provisional Chief Executive in 1925. Request for comments and suggestions. |
1058 |
| May 14 (97) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Instructions to inform the Chinese Government that U. S. Government hopes to receive a decision on the Federal contract by June 30 but that, if by that time no action has been taken to carry out the contract, the U. S. Government, while reserving all rights, will permit American interests to work out arrangements with interests of other countries for the operation of radio stations in China, subject to the single provision that the Department will not support any arrangement involving a monopoly. |
1061 |
| May 19 (215) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Telegram from Davis for the Radio Corporation (text printed) expressing doubt that a Chinese Government will exist in the near future to which the U. S. Minister could present an ultimatum, also giving information that Davis will leave Peking about June 30. |
1062 |
| June 11 (243) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that no action has been taken on telegrams No. 96 and No. 97 of May 14 since there is no one in charge of the Ministry of Communications; opinion that it would be unwise to adopt either procedure since either one would mean abandoning U. S. rights under the Federal contract; request for authorization to be less specific; belief that Japanese insistence upon recognition of their claim to monopoly indicates that open-door policy is at stake; suggestion that if a reply is made to Japanese it should be made upon basis of recommendation in Minister’s telegram No. 24, January 13. |
1062 |
| July 15 (141) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Radio Corporation agrees with suggestions in telegram No. 243, June 11, in regard to the communication to Chinese Government; instructions to be guided accordingly. |
1066 |
| Aug. 19 (335) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of a conversation with Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, August 18, which seemed to give some hope of an understanding; assertion that, in view of the indeterminate status of the Cabinet, no more categorical statement was made than to intimate that the moment is nearing when the Radio Corporation will have to make arrangements elsewhere if the Chinese fail to make use of the opportunity open to them. |
1066 |
| Aug. 21 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with British Ambassador in which the Ambassador was told that the Assistant Secretary had nothing new to say concerning the Federal contract; the Ambassador’s intimation that the consortium would eliminate Japanese and American monopoly, and suggestion that he submit an aide-mémoire on British position. |
1067 |
| Aug. 27 | From the British Ambassador Memorandum (text printed) giving reasons why the British Government considers that the Federal contract involves a virtual monopoly; statement that, if the Federal contract is carried out, the British Government may be obliged to take concerted action with the other powers concerned for the protection of British interests. |
1068 |
| Sept. 1 (365) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of a Chinese Cabinet decision that further consideration should not be given to the Federal contract until a “recognized” government is established; opinion that U. S. company can no longer rely on Peking authorities; request for authorization to discuss the matter with the local Shanghai authorities. |
1075 |
| Sept. 7 (184) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Department’s unwillingness to authorize Minister to discuss matter with local Shanghai authorities. |
1077 |
| Sept. 25 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador in which the Ambassador expressed his Government’s disappointment in not having received a reply to a note of almost a year ago; statement that Japan is not committed to the proposition it has made but is prepared to consider any proposal in harmony with the general ideas expressed therein. |
1078 |
| Sept. 29 (437) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Information that the Japanese Minister has instructions to take up wireless question with U. S. Chargé and the Chinese; and that the Chinese Acting Foreign Minister intends to invite the U. S. Chargé Japanese Minister, and probably Chinese Minister of Communications to an unofficial dinner to discuss the matter. |
1078 |
| Sept. 30 (210) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Instructions to refrain from comment if the unofficial dinner is given but to report to the Department any proposals or suggestions made; statement that the Department expects to go over the situation with General Harbord shortly, after which it will be in a position to give necessary instructions. |
1080 |
| Oct. 11 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far
Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Japanese Ambassador in which the Ambassador expressed disappointment that he had been unable to accomplish anything in regard to the wireless situation in China for more than a year and was informed that the Department hopes to be able to reply within a few days to the Embassy’s note of June 1, 1925. |
1080 |
| Oct. 13 (474) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Report of various indications that now is a propitious time to make a further attempt to have the Federal contract executed. |
1081 |
| Oct. 16 (232) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Statement that, after a conference with General Harbord and Colonel Davis, the Department is now preparing a reply to the Japanese Embassy’s note of June 1, 1925; indication as to substance of the reply. |
1082 |
| Oct. 28 | To the Japanese Ambassador Reply to the Ambassador’s memorandum of June 1, 1925; review of entire situation, concluding with the statement that, if the Governments of China and Japan approve, the Radio Corporation of America will invite representatives of the Chinese Ministry of Communications and the Japanese and U. S. companies to meet in New York City to work out a solution of the difficulties; two enclosures (texts printed) setting forth the views of the U. S. interests and their opinion that the most desirable type of consortium would be one in which the Japanese and U. S. companies developed their projects separately but coordinated their operating efforts. (Footnote: Copies sent to the Ambassadors in Great Britain and France, November 4, 1926.) |
1082 |
| Oct. 28 (251) | To the Chargé in China (tel.) Transmittal of text of the memorandum sent to the Japanese Ambassador October 28; instructions to leave a copy with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs accompanied by a memorandum stating the situation in brief and concluding with a request for an early indication of the attitude of the Chinese officials; further instructions to state orally that the U. S. company hopes that the Ministry of Communications will not use this proposal as an excuse for further delay in the execution of the Federal contract. |
1091 |
| Nov. 4 (529) | From the Chargé in China (tel.) Report that instructions have been carried out and that Foreign Minister states that he will take up the matter immediately with a view to making an early reply. |
1092 |
Disapproval by the Department op State op Proposed Grant of Oil Monopoly by the Canton Government to the Standard Oil Company
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Dec. 21 (352) | From the Consul General at Canton to the Minister in
China Information from a Standard Oil Company official that the Canton authorities, after stating that they expect to continue the oil monopoly, have proposed an agreement with the Standard Oil Company whereby that company would supply most, if not all, the oil and gasoline for the Canton district and might at the same time undertake the distribution of petroleum products under the local government’s supervision; opinion of the company’s manager in Canton that the proposal will not be considered since its acceptance would be construed as approval of the monopoly and since it would give the other companies a right to protest. |
1092 |
| 1926 Jan. 7 (10) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, January 5: Information that Standard Oil Company is seriously considering the Canton Government’s proposal; opinion that such a step would be unfortunate. To Canton, January 7: Instruction to advise the local representative of the company that the Legation could not countenance such an arrangement, which is contrary to treaty provisions and the established policy of the U. S. Government as concerns monopolies. |
1094 |
| Jan. 11 (14) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Approval of instructions to Canton as transmitted in telegram No. 10, January 7. |
1095 |
| Jan. 30 (59) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that an oil monopoly similar to that in operation at Canton has been instituted at Swatow. |
1095 |
| Mar. 16 (131) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Report of a tentative agreement between the Standard Oil Company and the Canton Government whereby the company will allow local authorities to tax oil in violation of treaty provisions; suggestion that matter be taken up with the Standard Oil Company in the sense that it would be regrettable if American interests were to undermine the efforts made by the U. S. Government to prevent illegal taxation of American trade in China. |
1095 |
| Apr. 6 (77) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Assertion that the Department prefers to take no action in the matter in the absence of a request from the interested firm. |
1096 |
| June 7 (241) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, June 5: Statement that the Canton Government has ordered the abolition of the oil monopoly on June 15 but that apparently the high stamp tax will be retained. |
1096 |
| July 6 (274) | From the Minister in China (tel.) From Canton, July 2: Report that the Standard Oil Company is about to resume sale of oil under the agreement to allow taxation by Canton authorities. |
1097 |
Attitude of the United States Toward the Demand of the Chinese Government for the Recall of the Soviet Ambassador in China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Aug. 18 (331) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Question by a member of the Chinese Foreign Office staff as to the U. S. Minister’s attitude in case the Foreign Office gave the Soviet Ambassador his passport and, in case he refused to leave, insisted upon dealing with his staff only; reply that the Soviet Ambassador’s status is a matter concerning only the Chinese and the Russians. |
1097 |
| Aug. 19 (168) | To the Minister in China (tel.) Assertion that no doubt should be left in the minds of the Chinese that the status of the Soviet Ambassador concerns only China and the Soviet Government. |
1098 |
| Sept. 1 (367) | From the Minister in China (tel.) Information that the Soviet Ambassador is to be withdrawn in a few days. (Footnote: The Soviet Ambassador in China sailed from Shanghai September 26, 1926.) |
1099 |
Right of American Citizens To Bring Suits in Chinese Courts Against the Government of China
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1926 Oct. 22 (788) | From the Chargé in China Information that an American citizen may bring suit in China against the Government of China either in the Higher Court of Justice or the District Court of Justice; opinion that it would be difficult to obtain a favorable judgment or to secure its execution. |
1099 |
Status of Persons of Chinese Race in China Claiming American Citizenship
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1925 Jan. 5 | To the Consul in Chargé at
Hongkong Instructions concerning the procedure to be followed in the cases of children of native-born American citizens of Chinese descent who are residing in China and may claim American citizenship under section 1993 of the Revised Statutes of the United States. |
1100 |
| 1926 Feb. 20 (159) | To the Minister in China Transmittal of copy of Department’s instruction of January 5, 1925, with instructions to circularize to consular officers in China. |
1101 |
| Apr. 19 (202) | To the Minister in China Instruction to advise the consul general at Canton to take no further action in the matter of the arrest by Canton military authorities of Chu Shea-wai, an American citizen of Chinese race, in view of the fact that the Department considers it doubtful that he is any longer entitled to the protection of the U. S. Government; views of the Department which are to be followed when similar cases arise in the future. |
1102 |
| May 20 (227) | To the Minister in China Instructions to be circularized to all consular officers in China as a supplement to the Department’s instruction No. 159, February 20, concerning the procedure to be followed in the cases of children of native-born American citizens of Chinese descent who are residing in China. |
1103 |