125.643/52: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Perkins) to the Secretary of State
Peking, September 6,
1928—10 p.m.
[Received September 6—4:11 p.m.]
[Received September 6—4:11 p.m.]
692. Legation’s 637, August 17, 7 p.m.43
- 1.
- Cunningham reports that in an interview on September 3rd, Wang gave complete assent to the following proposals: (a) That a new lease from year to year would be entered into for the present premises to begin upon the completion by the Chinese of the repairs and provided the old lease was canceled and an assurance given [Page 355] that no [claim] would be made for unpaid rent to date of the new lease; (b) that it was hoped that the reopening would be accompanied by ceremonies contemplated last March.
- 2.
- Cunningham then continues:
- [“](a) Wang in agreeing to carry out ceremonies that were contemplated in March stated that the details could be worked out on his next visit to Shanghai which would be within one week. He seemed pleased to carry out the ceremonies. It is hoped Admiral Stirling will be present and participate in working out details of these ceremonies.
- (b) Wang was discreetly sounded as to prompt carrying out of the ceremonies but urged that they be deferred until some day between September 20th and 25th by which time the consulate should be rehabilitated permitting ceremonies to be closed with fitting dignity and in proper setting. Wang further stated his belief that ceremonies prior to evidence of a permanent return to the consulate would ‘make a wrong impression on the Chinese officials in Nanking.’
- (c) It will not be convenient to detail officers from Shanghai consulate general to accompany me, other than Spiker and Paxton, unless can be arranged for 22nd. Huston and Stevens44 both could accompany if Legation desires; therefore it may be desirable that the naval contingent be limited to this number. There is no opposition of the Chinese to full military ceremonies and I suggest that details be left to Stirling, Wang and me at our meeting not later than September 10th. It is impracticable to reopen consulate in temporary quarters and since Wang desires it I urge that the date of reopening and ceremonies be simultaneous and fixed for a date between September 20th and 25th.
- (d) In view of Wang’s assurances above, renting of temporary quarters appears inadvisable since only unfurnished houses and furnishing for use for two or three weeks appears highly impracticable as well as expensive. Wang suggests that while he cannot offer regular accommodations until repairs of consulate are completed, American officials making brief visits to Nanking will be comfortably cared for in the official hostel at Nanking. I accordingly suggest that Spiker and Paxton be authorized to make such visits to Nanking as appear advisable in carrying out instructions relative to refurnishing and supervision of repairs of premises as well as performing entire consular matters. Bids will be obtained and estimates for refurnishing will be promptly submitted following Spiker’s visit to Nanking. Spiker’s visits will be brief since he is on Sino-American Commission but it may be desirable for Paxton to remain informally at hostel and with friend in Nanking considerable time.”
- 3.
- I approve the foregoing suggestions in toto and respectfully request the Department’s observations as soon as possible in view of Wang’s early visit to Shanghai.
Perkins