611.9331/171: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 26—11:40 a.m.]
935. Legation’s 930 of December 25, 10 a.m. Following is translation of note of Acting Minister to the American Minister dated December 23rd:
I have the honor to state that the third 10–year period of the Sino-American Commercial Treaty of 29th year 8th month 18th date of Kuang Hsu (October 8, 1903) with annexes dating from the exchange of ratifications on January 13, 1904, will expire on the 13th date of the 1st month of the 23rd year of the Chinese Republic (January 13, 1934).
The Chinese Government finds important matters contained in that treaty have already undergone change, and it therefore desires, from a spirit of friendliness independently to negotiate a new treaty with Your Excellency’s Government on the basis of the principles of equality and reciprocity.
I have the honor to request that Your Excellency transmit the above to the Government of the United States for its information and action.
Signed Wang Chao-min. Seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Translator’s note: Chinese phrase translated above as “independently to negotiate a new treaty” may be interpreted to mean “to negotiate an entirely new treaty.”