893.00 Nanking/197: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 6—noon.]
699. 1. The following telegram has been received from the American consul general at Shanghai:
“July 2, 10 a.m. Referring to your telegram[s] number 45, May 24, 7 p.m., and 49, May 28, 3 p.m. In several personal interviews with C. C. Wu and Quo Tai-chi during the last few days they have stated that the Nanking Government is ready and anxious to settle the Nanking incident with the United States Government irrespective of the actions of other foreign powers in the matter. Quo has stated his personal opinion that matter is being held up through a desire of the United States for joint action with Great Britain but states that this is most unfortunate if true, since any settlement with Great Britain must include definite settlement of the Wanhsien incident and the Shakee “massacre”, grievances which any government desiring the support of the Chinese people must settle and which will probably result in considerable delay since his Government will insist that the three incidents be considered jointly. Wu and Quo state that next move lies with the United States and the Nanking Government will be pleased to have American Government appoint its representatives to serve on joint commission of investigation to determine guilt of parties and amount of damage suffered by American citizens. Inquiries as to Nanking’s definite proposals for settlement have only resulted in general reiteration of statements made by C. C. Wu to Gauss and Davis on May 27 as reported in this office’s telegram number 43 of May 27, 6 p.m.76
Wu informed me of his intention to restore and refurnish all consulates completely. Senator Bingham is openly advocating the immediate return of an American consular officer to Nanking without awaiting any remedial action by the Nanking Government.”
2. I remain firmly of the opinion that we should maintain the receptive attitude recommended in my Number 650, June 16, 9 p.m.77
3. Lampson informs me that he has recently received from Wang78 proposals considerably whittling down the project of settlement previously discussed between them (see my number 631, June 9, 5 [9?] p.m., fourth paragraph79) but that with the approval of the British Government he is insisting upon the substance although not necessarily the wording of that project.
- See telegram No. 598, May 28, from the Minister in China, p. 222.↩
- The recommendation was (in paraphrase): “I believe that we should continue to maintain the receptive attitude taken hitherto and wait for such advantages as may come from Lampson’s informal conversations with Wang Chung-hui.” (File No. 893.00 Nanking/193.)↩
- Acting as mediator in a personal capacity. Wang became Minister of Justice in the Nanking Government July 15, 1927.↩
- Not printed.↩