893.102S/2311: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Johnson)
Washington, October 21, 1940—5
p.m.
179. Shanghai’s 1025, October 3, 3 p.m. and your 503 October 4, 2 p.m.
- 1.
- Department raises for consideration the question whether, in the light of conditions at Shanghai, the proposal in question could be carried into effect without Japanese assent thereto and whether if the answer were in the affirmative the courts would be any less subject to intimidation than they are now. Further, the Department raises for consideration the question whether there is a possibility that the Japanese objections to the functioning in the Settlement of the present courts as agencies of the National Government might be met if the American Consul and the British Consul General were (prior to discussion with their colleagues representing countries which were signatories to the court agreement) privately and informally to approach the Japanese Consul General with the suggestion that, as a provisional measure, the Municipal Council, as an international body in which the Japanese are represented, be requested by consuls of all the treaty powers to take over the administration of the courts.
- 2.
- Upon receipt of your and Shanghai’s comment in regard to the foregoing, the Department will expect to make a further reply.
Sent to Chungking. Repeated to Peiping and Shanghai.
Hull