711.933/135: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
Washington, September 17, 1929—6
p.m.
309. Your 809 of September 10 and 754 of August 24, 11 a.m.63
- 1.
- Department approves position taken by Legation in its telegram of September 3, 4 p.m. to the Consul at Nanking.
- 2.
- With regard to the general question of abolishment of offices of Commissioners of Foreign Affairs, Department does not feel that any protest to the Chinese Government is called for, as this matter appears to be one of internal administration. The establishment of these offices in 1913 was made a subject of protest by the Diplomatic Body to the Chinese Foreign Office (see Legation’s despatch to Department No. 1014 of September 18, 191364).
- 3.
- The Department suggests that in reply to Wang’s note on this matter, you inform him that this Government is prepared to cooperate with the Chinese authorities with a view to bringing the new procedure into operation with a minimum of inconvenience. You should at the same time make full reservation of American rights under the treaties, and inform Wang that this Government expects that the rights of American plaintiffs in appellate cases now pending before the Commissioners of Foreign Affairs will not be in any way prejudiced [Page 678] by the new procedure. You may inform him that this Government expects, also, that under the new procedure its consular officers shall continue to have the right to communicate as occasion may demand on matters concerning their nationals with the highest provincial authorities as contemplated and expressly provided by existing treaties and in accordance with prevailing recognized usage.
- 4.
- In as much as this would appear to be a matter of general concern, it is believed that it would be well for you to discuss the question with your interested colleagues. If, after discussion with them, you feel that the Department’s position as stated above should be altered, please refer the matter to the Department for further consideration with your comments and suggestions.
Stimson