125.643/51: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Perkins)
Washington, August 31,
1928—7 p.m.
300. Your 667, August 29, 1 p.m.
- 1.
- Department’s instructions authorizing the Legation to exercise its discretion in regard to salutes and pertinent matters superseded last paragraph of the Department’s telegram 265, August 10, noon.42 Plans described in paragraph 2 of that telegram were not completed before departure of the Secretary of State for France and the Legation may now proceed on assumption that the Nationalist Government has been fully recognized by the American Government.
- 2.
- The Department concurs with the views of the Commander-in-Chief as quoted in your telegram August 29, 1 p.m., and desires that you express to him the Department’s gratification at designation of Admiral Stirling. Department would suggest that number of American Naval officers present should not exceed that of civilian officers but leaves that to decision to be arrived at between Legation and Admiral.
- 3.
- Since the American Minister presumably cannot be present, the Department suggests that Consul General Cunningham be entrusted with a suitable message from the Minister or Chargé d’Affaires to be delivered at ceremony.
- 4.
- Department feels that there should be no insistence on military features if the Chinese oppose, provided the occasion be characterized by dignity and mutual cordiality. Telegraph date when arranged.
- 5.
- Department desires that whatever program the Legation may arrange the action involved be proceeded with as promptly as possible.
Clark