893.05/171
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
Sir: The Department has received your despatch No. 2341, dated September 23, 1929, enclosing copies of correspondence between the Legation and the Consul General at Shanghai with regard to the appearance of Consul J. E. Jacobs as a witness before the Shanghai Provisional Court.
[Page 753]The Department approves the attitude taken by the Consul General at Shanghai in this matter, as set forth in his letter of September 12, 1929 to the Chief Clerk of the Court.
The Department has noted the suggestion made by the Consul General that, when a new treaty is negotiated between the United States and China, the rights, privileges, and immunities of American consular officers should be clearly defined. The Department will bear this suggestion in mind and will give further consideration to it at an appropriate time.
I am [etc.]