893.01 Manchuria/25: Telegram

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

312. 1. Following from the American Consul at Harbin:

[“] March 7, noon. Local Commissioner for Foreign Affairs has invited me to attend congratulatory celebration formation new government March 9th. Please advise what action I should take.”

2. Legation has replied that, as indicated in the Department’s March 3, 10 a.m., Consul should take no action in this matter or others of a similar character in the absence of the Department’s specific instructions. It is suggested that the Department reply direct to Harbin.

3. Following from American Consul General at Mukden:

“March 7, 3 p.m. I have received an official invitation from the Northeastern Administration Commission to attend the inauguration of the executive at Changchun on March 9, 3 p.m. This is the first communication received from new regime. I have no intention of attending nor do I consider it advisable to send an unofficial observer from this office.”

Foregoing is being repeated to American Consul at Harbin for his information.

For the Minister:
Perkins