Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1928, Volume II

893.00 Nanking/254: Telegram

The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

Peking, April 8, 1928—9 a.m.
[Received April 8—6:40 a.m.]

215. My March 31, 8 p.m., sent from Shanghai, and my April 7, number 213, 3 p.m.¹⁸

1. It had been my intention, despite the obviously unsatisfactory situation in regard to personal security of foreigners at Nanking, to take Paxton with me, and, in case there could be arranged, as foreseen in paragraph 4 of my telegram of March 31, 8 p.m., a ceremonious and public welcome back to Nanking, to reinstall him in the consulate. Although the danger incident to a resumption of residence by a consular representative is unquestioned and although there would be, as an inevitable consequence, a return of many of our citizens, it seemed to me that these factors would be minimized sufficiently by such a gesture of restored mutual good will and of reconciliation, which would serve to impress upon the local bad characters and the soldiers the fact that the Nationalist authorities have an interest and concern in good relations with us. However, I am strongly of the opinion that, in the absence of such a gesture and under the existing circumstances, the reestablishment of the consulate and the consequent encouragement of the return of our citizens would be inviting trouble. I make no definite recommendation against reestablishing the consulate.

2. For the time being, in view of the fact that commercial activity is at a standstill and considering that relations with the Nanking authorities can be maintained practically as well at Shanghai where the principal officials spend a large part of their time, and probably are even more accessible in the French Concession or the International Settlement than in their own capital, the lack of consular representation at Nanking is of less consequence.

3. However, it is most important, in my opinion, that this matter should be so dealt with as to avoid giving offense or causing prejudice to the possibility of close relations with the Nationalist regime by emphasizing in too pointed a manner the lack of confidence which we have as to their maintenance in Nanking of conditions of security. It is suggested, accordingly, that there be no immediate alteration in the arrangements whereby the Nanking consulate is maintained by Paxton at Chinkiang, but that steps should be taken in the very near future to arrange (and I believe this can be done easily) to have General Huang, at some opportune moment, suggest a visit by Consul General Cunningham and Vice Consul Paxton to Nanking for a few days in order to inspect the consular premises and to make the acquaintance of the officials at Nanking. To a considerable extent this would, there is reason to believe, assuage any sense of disappointment as a result of our failure at this time to reestablish the consulate.

4. Paxton has had a most difficult time and is fully deserving of relief; leave of absence with authorization to visit the United States should be granted to him in the near future (say the middle of May) when certain work he has in hand will have been completed by him. It is recommended earnestly that at that time, and as inconspicuously as possible, Paxton should be appointed consul at Nanking, with the understanding, however, that he would remain in Shanghai where it would be possible for him to cultivate the acquaintance of the majority of the Nanking leaders until the time when it might be possible for him to assume his post. Of course, he should have authorization to visit Nanking whenever and for whatever periods the situation may, in his judgment, dictate.

MacMurray

18. Latter not printed.